Climate Change Knowledge Network for the Indian...

Climate Change Knowledge Network for the Indian Agriculture (CCKN-IA)

SWOT-Analysis of Agriculture Knowledge Information Networks

Part 4: Maharashtra State

July 2014

Prepared by:

David Gandhi

State Agricultural Advisor of CCKN-IA-Maharashtra

EXECUTIVE SUMMARY

SWOT-Analysis of CCKN-IA - Part 4: Maharashtra State

Executive summary

The unique geo climatic conditions of our country make this region vulnerable to natural disasters.

One of the major repercussions that disasters have is on agriculture. A substantial part of the

population depends on agriculture for its livelihood. Agricultural activity is adversely affected by any

unforeseen weather changes or variations in physical conditions. This gets accentuated in case of

cyclones, floods and droughts resulting in disruption of people’s livelihood and adding to the risk,

damage and stress of disasters. The continuing river erosion results in substantial losses of peoples’

farming and homestead lands, livelihood, and assets. The combination of increasing levels of natural

hazards and vulnerability coupled with the apprehended climate change with the concomitant increase

in temperature has really posed a serious threat. Climate Change threatens to increase the

vulnerability of farming systems in the world and fragile environments like semi-arid and arid

environments. These unfortunate facts indicate that India is currently at high risk to small, medium and

large-scale disasters having direct impact on livelihood, especially agricultural related. Large

proportion of population of the country, heavily dependent on agriculture is becoming increasingly

vulnerable to hydrometereological hazards (harvests losses, seed and other input losses, destroyed

plantations, animals losses and disease etc). This situation is further aggravated by increased farming

in high risk areas due to population pressures and lack of diverse economic opportunities.

Stresses such as drought affect the productivity of most field crops to variable degrees, depending on

the onset time, duration, and intensity of the stress. Drought is the most important environmental

stress affecting agriculture worldwide. Exploiting yield potential and maintaining yield stability of crops

in water-limited environments are urgent tasks that must be undertaken in order to guarantee food

supply for the increasing world population. Drought may happen at any time during the growing

season of crops and may occur every year in some areas of the world.

Effective information exchange is a prerequisite to act timely to the needs of the farmers’ request for

authentic information, which the present agricultural information exchange system cannot deliver.

Although a number of Agricultural Knowledge and Information Networks (AKINs) exists, there is a lack

of availability of effective, timely, dynamic, authentic and farmers-friendly sustainable agricultural

information network for all the stakeholders (policy makers at national and state levels, extension

agents, intermediaries, and farmers, etc.). Improvement is even more important as the National

Mission for Sustainable Agriculture needs to be operationalized successfully. For the first time it now

includes a component on Climate Change (CCSAMMN).

This SWOT-analysis was conducted in the frame of the Indo-German technical cooperation project

CCKN-IA (Establishment of a climate change knowledge network for the Indian agriculture). Its aim

was to examine national players in agriculture and climate change sector, who can play an important

role to successfully implement the future CCKN-IA technology framework at pilot districts in the

participating States of Jharkhand, Maharashtra and Odisha. Such a successfully working network

platform could then be scaled up at national level later on.

EXECUTIVE SUMMARY


This SWOT-analysis was performed at Maharashtra in a specific methodology to detect the strengths,

weaknesses, opportunities and threats (SWOT) of the information providers. They have been filtered

on the basis of various parameters e.g. their willingness to partner, key role in one of the thematic

areas, and strong knowledge or technical background. Using GIZ’s Capacity Works Manual, each

organisation was evaluated and pictured in graphical form for better understanding and justification for

selection of an organisation. The assessment has been done for all public and private key

organisations, which are active in the agricultural sector and could potentially play a prominent role in

the establishment of the network on national level and in Maharashtra state. In a first step

organisations were shortlisted due to their relevance, indicating their name, role, subject and form of

organisation. At a later stage, each organisation was categorized after assessment for or personal

interaction with the organisation’s responsible officers.

The assessment covers all public and private key organisations, which are active in the agricultural

sector and could play a prominent role in the establishment of the network on national level and in the

three pilot states. Two groups of potential partners can be distinguished: 1) Information Disseminators

and 2) Content Providers or Knowledge generators. These categories include agencies from every

sector e.g. Government, NGO and private enterprises. A detailed definition of all categories is

provided in the report.

Amongst a handful of organisations present in Maharashtra, 20 organisations were retained for

detailed discussion and understanding. Eventually 12 agencies from multitude of domain expertise:

MPKV: State Agricultural University. The Mahatma Phule Krishi Vidyapeeth, Rahuri is a

statutory body of the Government of Maharashtra

KVK – Baramati: The Krishi Vigyan Kendra is a district level Farm Science Center established

by the Indian Council of Agricultural Research (ICAR), New Delhi at Agricultural Development

Trust Baramati District Pune for speedy transfer of technology to the farmers’ fields.

KVK – Bhableshwar: The Krishi Vigyan Kendra Babhaleshwar Dt. Ahmednagar has bagged

the Best KVK National Award 2011 for the second time at National level and for third time from

ICAR.

NIAM mandate of the institute is to enhance the capacity for abiotic stress management

through basic, strategic, and policy support research. The institute will strongly complement

the ongoing R&D under National Agricultural Research System (NARS)

IMD: Agri-meteorological Division: The prime object of Agricultural Meteorology Division, India

Meteorological Department (IMD), Pune is to minimize the impact of adverse weather on

crops and to make use of crop-weather relationships to boost agricultural production.

SKYMET: SKYMET is a leading weather forecasting and agriculture risk solutions company. It

has created weather-based business solutions for media, power, shipping and telecom. It also

provides risk management services to power, renewable energy (wind and solar), aviation,

construction as well as the food & beverage industry in India.

RML: Reuters Market Light is a pioneering mobile phone based, highly personalised,

professional information service specially designed to support the farming community

EXECUTIVE SUMMARY


IKSL – KCC: IKSL is promoted by Indian Farm and Fertilizer Cooperative. IKSL also operates

the MoA funded Kisan Call Centre across the country.

TCS-mKrishi: Aims to provide farmers with innovative technology to tap into scientific and

agricultural knowledge sources meaningfully can make a significant impact in rural scenarios.

WOTR: WOTR’s mandate is to reduce poverty through mobilising the self-help capacities of

individuals and communities to regenerate the eco-spaces or watersheds they live in, harvest

rain water wherever it falls, use it productively.

BAIF: The major activities of BAIF are promotion of dairy husbandry, goat husbandry, water

resources development, sustainable agriculture and agri-horti-forestry for rehabilitation of

tribals on degraded lands and various rural non-farm activities for generating employment for

landless families. Environmental sustainability and empowerment of women cut across all

these programmes.

Vigyan Ashram: A NGO in Pune using “aAQUA eAgriService” provides solutions to problems

posed by Indian farmers - small and large. Answers to your agri-related queries are sent in 24

to 72 hours depending on the difficulty. Experts are employees of their respective

organizations and serve without charge.

.

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CONTENTS


Contents

1 Background Information ........................................................................ 1

2 Objective and Methodology ................................................................... 3

2.1 Explanation of the objective ............................................................... 3

2.2 Methodology ...................................................................................... 3

Desk research ......................................................................... 4 2.2.1

Short listing of AKINs at national level .................................... 4 2.2.2

Intensification of interaction ..................................................... 4 2.2.3

Assessment form ..................................................................... 5 2.2.4

Understanding SWOT ............................................................. 5 2.2.5

CCKN-IA-SWOT-analysis ....................................................... 7 2.2.6

SWOT parameters description ................................................ 8 2.2.7

SWOT analysis process adopted in the state ....................... 10 2.2.8

Preliminary Assessment of Potential AKINS Providers ........ 10 2.2.9

Invitation to State Orientation and Planning Workshop 2.2.10

(SOPW) ................................................................................. 11

Shortlisting of AKINS Providers for SWOT Analysis ............. 11 2.2.11

Detailed SWOT Analysis of shortlisted AKINS ...................... 11 2.2.12

3 Results ................................................................................................... 13

3.1 Overview of organisations ............................................................... 13

3.2 Overview and characterisation of Primary Content Providers ......... 14

3.3 Overview SWOT .............................................................................. 20

SWOT of authorized primary content providers .................... 20 3.3.1

SWOT of Technology providers ............................................ 22 3.3.2

4 Assessment ........................................................................................... 23

4.1 Primary content providers: ............................................................... 23

Weather and climate ............................................................. 23 4.1.1

Agro advisories ...................................................................... 23 4.1.2

Crops/ Package and Practices .............................................. 23 4.1.3

Livestock................................................................................ 24 4.1.4

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CHAPTER 1

Background Information


4.2 Technology service providers .......................................................... 24

Call Centre ............................................................................ 24 4.2.1

IVRS ...................................................................................... 24 4.2.2

Mobile App ............................................................................ 24 4.2.3

Out Bound Dialer (OBD) ........................................................ 24 4.2.4

Print Materials ....................................................................... 24 4.2.5

Radio ..................................................................................... 25 4.2.6

SMS ....................................................................................... 25 4.2.7

Web Based Portals ................................................................ 25 4.2.8

Training Programs ................................................................. 25 4.2.9

5 Recommendation for Maharashtra ...................................................... 27

5.1 Specific Recommendations for individual AKIN players after detailed

SWOT analysis ................................................................................ 29

Annexes ....................................................................................................... 31

Annex 1: Short list of organizations retained as potential partners of

CCKN-IA ................................................................................................. 33

Annex 2: AKINs Inventory for Maharashtra ............................................. 59

Annex 3: Preliminary Assessment Form for AKINs ................................ 61

Annex 4: Template of SWOT- Analysis Form .......................................... 64

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FIGURES AND TABLES


Figures

Figure 1: CCKN-IA selected partners ............................................................ 27

Tables

Table 1: Format of CCKN-IA-SWOT-Matrix ................................................... 7

Table 2: List of Shortlisted Primary Content Providers &

Knowledge Generators for SWOT Analysis ................................... 17

Table 3: List of Shortlisted for Technology service providers &

Information Disseminators for SWOT Analysis .............................. 19

Table 4: SWOT of primary content providers ............................................... 20

Table 5: SWOT of technology service providers ......................................... 22

Table 6: Suggestion of organizations for specific roles in

CCKN-IA Network in Maharashtra ................................................. 28

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ABBREVIATIONS


Abbreviations

AGMARKET Agricultural Marketing Information Network

AGRISNET Agricultural Resource Information Network

AIC Agriculture Insurance Company Limited

AICRPAM All India Coordinated Research Project on Agro-meteorology

AKIN Agricultural Knowledge and Information Network

AMFU Agro-Met Field Unit

APEDA Agricultural & Processed Food Product Export Development Authority

ATIC Agricultural Technology Information Centre

ATMA Agricultural Technology Management Agency

BAO Block Agriculture Officer

CCA Climate Change Adaptation

CCKN-IA Climate Change Knowledge Network in Indian Agriculture

CCSAMMN Climate Change Sustainable Agriculture Monitoring Modelling & Networking

CIFA Central Institute of Freshwater Aquaculture

CPR Centre for Pulse Research

CRRI Central Rice Research Institute

CSA Climate Smart Agriculture

CSO Civil Society Organisation

CSR Corporate Social Responsibility

CTCRI Central Tuber Crop Research Institute

DAC-NET Department of Agriculture & Cooperation Network

DDA Deputy Director of Agriculture

DG Digital Green

DST Department of Science & Technology

DVC Damodar Valley Corporation

GIZ Deutsche Gesellschaft für Internationale Zusammenarbeit (GIZ) GmbH

GoI Government of India

GoM Government of Maharashtra

IAAS Integrated Agro-Advisory Services

ICAR Indian Council for Agriculture Research

ICT Information and Communication Technology

IIT Indian Institute of Technology

IKSL IFFCO Kisan Sanchar Limited

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ABBREVIATIONS


IMAGE Institute of Management of Agricultural Extension

IMD India Meteorological Department

INCOIS Indian National Centre for Ocean Information Services

IT Information Technology

ITK Indigenous Technical Knowledge

IVRS Interactive Voice Response System

KCC Kisan Call Centre

KVK Krishi Vigyan Kendras (Agriculture Science Centers)

MHRD Ministry of Human Resources Development

mKRISHI Mobile Krishi

MNAIS Modified National Agricultural Insurance Scheme

MoU Memorandum of Understanding

NAIP National Agriculture Innovation Project

NAIS National Agricultural Insurance Scheme

NAPCC National Action Plan for Climate Change

NeGP-a National e Governance Plan in Agriculture

NGO Non-governmental organisation

NMSA National Mission for Sustainable Agriculture

NRM Natural Resources Management

OBD Out Bound dialler

PIA Project Implementing Agency

R&D Research & Development

SAU State Agriculture University

SMS Short Messaging Service

SOPW State Orientation and Planning Workshop

SWOT Strengths, Weaknesses, Opportunities and Threats

TE Technical Expert

Uid Unique Identity

USP Unique Selling Position

USSD Unstructured Supplementary Service Data

VAS Value Added Service

WBCIS Weather based Crop Insurance Scheme

WOTR Watershed Organisation Trust

ZARS Zonal Agricultural Research Station

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CHAPTER 1



CHAPTER 1 Background Information

Agriculture in India provides not only food security but also the livelihood for about 60% of the Indian

population. However, agriculture is prone to climate variability and increasing impact of climate

change. Under the National Action Plan on Climate Change (NAPCC), the Government of India has

launched eight National Missions during the XII Five year plan. The National Mission for Sustainable

Agriculture (NMSA) and the Mission on Strategic Knowledge on Climate Change target an agricultural

growth rate of four per cent per annum and also want to enable the country to cope with the impacts of

a changing climate.

The National Mission for Sustainable Agriculture aims to support climate adaptation in agriculture

through the development of climate resilient crops, expansion of weather insurance mechanisms, and

agricultural practices. Focus areas for the mission are dry-land agriculture, risk management, access

to information and use of biotechnology.

The National Mission on Strategic Knowledge for Climate Change aims to get a better understanding

of climate science, impacts and challenges as well as increased collaboration on national as well as

international levels.

CCKN-IA, the abbreviation for “Establishment of a climate change knowledge network for the Indian

agriculture”, is an Indo-German technical cooperation project, which started in September 2013. It

serves both above-mentioned National Missions and will operate in two pilot districts each in three

pilot states (Jharkhand, Maharashtra and Odisha). The intended knowledge network will be

established similar to a hub-and-spokes model disseminating information but also receiving feedback

from users.

Climate change increases the frequency of extreme events such as droughts, floods, delayed

monsoon onset, intermittent dry spells, heat waves etc. within the growing period. The impact of these

events is felt by farmers differently, depending on their location and their socio economic buffering

capacity. Recurrence of floods or drought often leads to large-scale disruption of agricultural activities

and causes considerable distress. Effective information exchange is a prerequisite to counteract timely

to the impacts and reduce vulnerability especially of small scale farmers.

Although a number of Agricultural knowledge and Information Networks (AKINs) exist, there is lack of

availability of effective, timely, dynamic, authentic and farmer-friendly sustainable agricultural

information, disseminated through a network available to all stakeholders (policy makers at national

and state levels, extension agents, intermediaries, farmers, etc.).

This present study assesses existing AKINs in the Government or the private sector, with the purpose

of identifying the key institutions, which can contribute relevant and high quality technical expertise

and content to an improved future system. Based on the outcome of this study an institutional and

2

CHAPTER 1



technical framework for a platform will be designed which collects, processes and disseminates

agriculture relevant information. The study was carried out with the underlying principle that

duplication of institutional, technical and content related aspects should be avoided.

3

CHAPTER 2

Objective and Methodology


CHAPTER 2 Objective and Methodology

2.1 Explanation of the objective

This report should be conceived as tool for decision making. It is addressed to all stakeholders of

CCKN-IA and provides information on the outcome of the assessment of a number of AKINs. It will

help stakeholders to select the most suitable and appropriate organisations partner for the CCKN-IA

project. The study was conducted at:

National Level

State Level

o Jharkhand

o Maharashtra

o Odisha

The broad purpose of the Strength, Weaknesses, Opportunity, and Threat (SWOT) analysis study is to

first assess the current scenario in terms of agriculture knowledge information flow in the state at

various levels, its reliability and regularity, applicability for target users, relevance to local context and

timeliness, etc. This assessment process also envisages detailed discussion and interaction with

potential AKINs in the state just to get a thorough understanding of the organisation’s mandate and

areas of expertise, content development process, validation or screening process and dissemination

channels. The key objectives can be summarised as follows:

Identify & shortlist potential agencies/ players engaged in AKINs & agricultural extension

services

Take stock of AKINs operational and current scenario of agricultural extension services in the

state

Create a thorough understanding on operational mechanism and uniqueness services for

each of the player thru preliminary assessment/ interaction/interviews

Prepare an assessment report short listing players under sub-category based on SWOT

framework – strengths/ Gaps/ opportunity to plug/ niche in the proposed CCKN-IA framework

(consortium partners)

2.2 Methodology

This SWOT-analysis was performed at national level and state level (Jharkhand, Maharashtra and

Odisha). It is a specific methodology to detect the strengths, weaknesses, opportunities and threats

(SWOT) of the information providers. They have been filtered on the basis of various parameters e.g.

their willingness to partner, key role in one of the thematic areas and strong knowledge or technical

4

CHAPTER 2



background. Using methods suggested by GIZ’s Capacity Works Manual, organisations were

evaluated for better understanding and justification for selection of an organisation. The assessment

has been done for all public and private key organisations, which are active in the agricultural sector

and could potentially play a prominent role in the establishment of the network on national level and in

the three pilot states. In a first step organisations were shortlisted due to their relevance, indicating

their name, role, subject and form of organisation.

At a later stage, each organisation was categorized after assessment for a direct interaction with the

organisation’s responsible officers.

Desk research 2.2.1

The careful selection of organisations was a major task, as there are many organisations working in

the Indian agriculture or rural sector for support and empowerment. Hence, identification of each and

every organisation was not an easy task and was therefore divided in multiple stages. It started with a

phase of desk research of about 15 days, when the CCKN-IA-team searched organisations through

the internet and personal networks. All available data were entered into an excel file. Thus about 88

organisations were listed covering the national level, whereas in Organizations or programs were

identified.

Jharkhand state 31

Maharashtra state 32

Odisha state 25

Short listing of AKINs at national level 2.2.2

Organisation/ network’s uniqueness and reach with relevance information to ground situation was

assessed as well as duplicity and complexity of operation was screened properly to come out with a

list of 24 AKIN agencies initially. There were organisations from every category and every knowledge

domain or technical capability. Further it was also kept in view that the agency and its network is fully

operational in the state, pilot districts/ blocks and has strong relevance to the information knowledge

requirement.

In order to select appropriate partners for the establishment of the network, short listing was

performed at multiple levels. Multiple rounds of interactions were involved; assessment forms were

designed and filled out by interested partners. Finally, the SWOT-analysis was made on basis of

interactions and filled assessment forms.

Intensification of interaction 2.2.3

On invitation, all the stakeholders participated in the workshop and many of them also shared their

activities in the state. This created another forum for interaction and opportunity for the agencies to

know more about CCKN-IA and their possible roles for association.

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CHAPTER 2



Based on the detailed analysis criteria developed, 12 organisations were further contacted for assessing the details about their operational aspects. The players were taken from government as well private domains, research and implementation expertise as well as knowledge information generation and information dissemination categories.

During a second round of discussions short-listed organisations received more detailed information on

the project and were asked to provide feedback on their potential interest to participate. Thus, a

number of meetings were held. Out of the 32 organisations some did not respond, some didn’t show

interest, and some of them had services linked with other premium organizations. The following is the

list of 12 organisations which were retained after the first round of interaction.

List of 12 organisations retained as potential partners in CCKN-IA

1. MPKV

2. KVK – Baramati

3. KVK – Bhableshwar

4. NIAM

5. IMD

6. SKYMET

7. RML

8. IKSL – KCC

9. TCS-mKrishi

10. WOTR

11. BAIF

12. Vigyan Ashram

Assessment form 2.2.4

For those organisations showing keen interest to partner in the project an assessment form was

developed and filled out by personal discussions with respective organisations.

At this stage of the process, detailed information was taken into account assessing each individual

organisation with regard to its technical capabilities, the content offered, but also e.g. their willingness,

operation in thematic relevant areas, their financial sustainability and strength in ICT or content

generation work, working for improvement of farmers and/or rural population.

In a final step of the analysis, the information obtained in the assessment forms (see Appendix 3) was

used for a detailed SWOT-analysis.

Understanding SWOT 2.2.5

Before presenting details about the SWOT analysis of potential partners, it should be understood what

a SWOT-analysis is all about and how useful it can be to identify partners for CCKN-IA.

A SWOT-analysis provides a simple but useful framework for analysing an organisation's strengths,

weaknesses, opportunities and threats that it offers or faces. It helps focussing on strengths,

minimizing threats, when taking the greatest possible advantage of opportunities available. A SWOT

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analysis can be used to "kick off" strategy formulation, or in a more sophisticated way as a serious

strategy tool.

Strengths and weaknesses are often internal to an organisation, while opportunities and threats

generally relate to external factors. For this reason, the SWOT analysis is sometimes called Internal-

External Analysis and the SWOT Matrix is sometimes called an IE Matrix.

Strengths:

What advantages does the organization have?

What does it better than anyone else does?

What unique resources can be drawn upon that others cannot?

What do people in the specific field of expertise see as strengths?

What is the organization’s Unique Selling Proposition (USP)?

Strengths should be considered from both an internal perspective, and from the point of view of

customers and people in market. When looking at strengths, it should be analysed in relation to

competitors. For example, if all of competitors provide high quality products, then a high quality

production process is not strength but it is a necessity.

Weaknesses:

What should be avoided?

What are people see as weaknesses in a specific field of?

Opportunities:

What could be improved?

What good opportunities can be spotted?

What interesting trends organization is aware of?

Useful opportunities can come from such things as:

Changes in technology and markets on both a broad and narrow scale.

Changes in government policy related to the field.

Changes in social patterns, population profiles, lifestyle changes, and so on.

Local events.

A useful approach when looking at opportunities is to look at organisation’s strengths and ask yourself

whether these open up any opportunities. Alternatively, looking at organisation’s weaknesses it should

be seen whether this could open up opportunities by eliminating them.

Threats

What obstacles are faced by the organization?

What are competitors doing?

Are quality standards or specifications for products or services changing?

Is changing technology-threatening position in the market?

Any bad debt or cash flow problems?

Could any of the weaknesses can effect business seriously.

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CHAPTER 2



CCKN-IA-SWOT-analysis 2.2.6

As the first step of analysis, organizations were categorized into two categories depending on their

nature of business as:

Technology service provider organizations

Organizations from a technical background or which are stronger in technology, were categorized as

ICT service providers and detailed explanation is provided in the subsequent sections.

Primary Content Providers:

Organizations, engaged in research activities in the field of agriculture and related domains or

affiliated to Ministry of Agriculture or ICAR for agriculture development were listed in this category.

To assess each organization in a better way, a SWOT table was created containing parameters

relating to essential CCKN-IA requirements. Here below the format of the CCKN-IA SWOT matrix is

shown as well as further details on each point included in the SWOT table:

Table 1: Format of CCKN-IA-SWOT-Matrix

Supportive: Negative

Inte

rnal

Orig

in /

curr

ent s

ituat

ion Strengths:

Capacities (human resources, technology, knowledge, financial)

Willingness / commitment Key player in an existing and working

network Thematic relevance Quality of services (content, timeliness,

efficiency, reach, Innovative, etc) Compliance with rules and regulations Operation in Pilot States and Districts Feedback mechanism

Weakness: Limited resources (human

resources, technology, knowledge, financial)

No commitment/willingness Not clearly positioned in a network Too generic Obsolete / outdated facilities /

technology / content Too costly Poor track record in compliance Non-Operative in Pilot States and

Districts

Ext

erna

l inf

luen

ce /

futu

re s

ituat

ion Opportunities:

Increase capacities Enter new markets / thematic fields Potential to contribute and access the

network (innovativeness reach, technology, content)

Access to additional external funds Increase motivation / reputation / visibility Access to knowledge

Threats: Increasing competition / numbers of

players Changing policy framework Leadership dependence / person

centric Increasing costs due to specific

requirements / technology Dependency in the network / lack of

commitment on the part of Network partners

Pace of changes in technology / knowledge

Changes in behavior

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SWOT parameters description 2.2.7

Strength:


Organization should have enough manpower to run projects successfully, strong technical or

content knowledge and financial stability to stand with CCKN-IA for next 3 years.

Willingness / commitment

Organization should be willing and committed to make project successful.

Key player in an existing and working network

Organization should play key role in at least one project

Thematic relevance

Organization should be working at least in one of the themes of CCKN-IA

Quality of services (content, timeliness, efficiency, reach, Innovative)

Organization should provide quality content or quality in technical or human intervention

services

Compliance with rules and regulations

Organization should comply with Government rules and regulations

Operation in Pilot States and Districts

It would be a big asset, if organizations were already operating in the Pilot States or even at

district level of CCKN-IA. That would mean, that content would be already available at local

level and from a technical perspective experience on ICT related implementation strategies

has been collected.

Feedback mechanism

Organization should have a feedback for their services provided in place. For example they

should have feedback data from villages or operation area.

Opportunities:

Increase in capacities

To identify if selected organization could increase their capacity if required. This can be

related to technical aspects or at knowledge base.

Enter new markets / thematic fields

It would be a plus point if the organization is willing to approach or projecting to new thematic

fields of CCKN-IA

Potential to contribute and access the network (innovativeness reach, technology, content)

This point will be a plus point for such organizations to increase their visibility and extend their

field of expertise

Access to additional external funds

Chance of organization to receive funds from external sources

Increase motivation / reputation / visibility

Being part of the CCKN-IA Network will increase motivation and reputation through exposure

at national and international level

Access to knowledge

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Organizations participating in the CCKN-IA Network will have exclusive access of timely and

primary information as well as technology

Weakness:

Limited resources (human resources, technology, knowledge, financial)

If the organization shows limitation to increase manpower or already going through limitations

of resources, knowledge, technology or finances then it can effect badly during

implementation of the project and such endanger the complete project progress

No commitment/willingness

Organizations will be contacted further for partnership if willingness is not visible in initial

communications it is interpreted as lack of interest

Not clearly positioned in a network

A big negative point if organizations position is not clear in any of the project or network they

are working currently

Too generic

Generic content is not relevant for CCKN-IA project, CCKN-IA requires specific and hyper-

localized content in local language or dialect

Obsolete / outdated facilities / technology / content

Innovativeness is the key for CCKN-IA. Willingness or disinterest in applying latest technology

or missing understanding of applying latest information is not compatible to the CCKN-IAs

project philosophy.

Too costly

Services have to be economic, especially to ensure sustainability in terms of a long term

implementation

Poor track record in compliance

Compliance is required

Non-Operative in Pilot States and Districts

This will be considered only in case of content providers not technology service providers.

Threats:

Increasing competition / numbers of players

CCKN-IA will observe competition of each organization with others and how they prove

themselves better than others players

Changing policy framework

Change in policy relates to Government policies, and CCKN-IA will look at this aspect as

serious threat

Leadership dependence / person centric

Projects or organizations should be based on a stable organizational and personal

fundamentals and not depend on the willingness of single individuals.

Increasing costs due to specific requirements / technology

CCKN-IA budget is fixed, hence increased expenditures on a later stage due to improper

planning jeopardize project progress and funds

Dependency in the network / lack of commitment on the part of Network partners

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Dependency on others or lack of commitment may bring hindrances in CCKN-IA project

implementation. It is always better to collaborate with an organization, which has in-house

capabilities other than dependency on others.


Fast or slow pace changes in technology/knowledge both may bring issues in implementation

especially for small stakeholders

Changes in behavior

Behavioral changes in staff effects project implementation, on the other hand behavioral

changes in users brought up by projects brings success to the project.

SWOT analysis process adopted in the state 2.2.8

With conducting a thorough web search and review of webpages of currently operating networks and

extension service providers, the real term SWOT analysis process kick-started in the state. This desk

research effort resulted in a preparation of AKINs & extension service providers’ matrix. Through

rigorous web search and personal interaction with Dept. of Agriculture, an exhaustive list of AKINs and

extension service providers was worked out. This exercise had not only provided a preliminary

understanding of mechanism of information flow, its dynamics and content specificity but also helped

State Agriculture Expert develop a basic premise to work out further probing strategy. Further the list

was revisited and shortlisted matrix of key players, having state specific presence and activities was

prepared. This matrix (compilation of list of key players currently operational in the state) had basic

information, URL details, mode of operation and type of information or service extended in the field of

Agriculture and allied fields. A detailed matrix of 32 agencies selected from government, research

based, private and NGO background was then prepared, termed as comprehensive Inventory of

Agriculture Knowledge Information Networks (AKINs) in Maharashtra. The term “Agriculture

Knowledge Information” essentially include “Crop/ Livestock/ Fishery-Weather-Market-Insurance-

Adaptation continuum” for the rural mass. The whole livelihoods support system of farming community

vis-à-vis weather dynamics have been taken into consideration.

After preliminary analysis it was found that some of the listed organisations were government

agencies operating at national level but providing umbrella services to local players. Attempt was

made to ensure that duplication of efforts and agencies roles do not become constraints in the further

analysis.

Based on this principle almost 32 organisations were contacted through email or phone calls to the

contact information provided on the web-sites. Of these based on the responses and interest level, 12

organisations were further shortlisted for the next level of the SWOT viz. Preliminary Assessment of

Potential AKINS Providers.

Preliminary Assessment of Potential AKINS Providers 2.2.9

A simplified but wholesome template (questionnaire) was designed after brainstorming process jointly

by the CCKN-IA team and the same format (Annexure-3) was used to collect detailed information on

11

CHAPTER 2



the 12 respondents through personal visits to the offices, interaction or phone and email contact by the

state expert. This exercise had provided fair amount of insights into the organisations’ areas of

operation, approach, mode of functioning, expertise and reach with some clues on the organisational

set up. A few filled in preliminary assessment questionnaires were also uploaded on Share Point

(common sharing web platform created for CCKN-IA functionaries). With this sort of personal

interactions, project was able to create a platform where potential AKINs players got to know in detail

the objectives and envisaged outputs of CCKN-IA.

Invitation to State Orientation and Planning Workshop (SOPW) 2.2.10

All these respondents were invited to participate and learn more about project’s outcomes and way

forward and share their experience with other stakeholder and decision makers at the SOPW

conducted on 14th March 2014 at YASHADA Pune.

Shortlisting of AKINS Providers for SWOT Analysis 2.2.11

Based on the information presented during the SOPW viz. nature of activities, area coverage in the

state and CCKN-IA pilot districts, specific requirements to be met through CCKN-IA network and

subsequent developments on the SWOT analysis process at the national level, a total of 12

organisations were identified for the detailed SWOT analysis which is presented in this report.

However, this list is not closed option and potential partner organisations may be included at a later

stage based on the lessons learned and experience of operationalization of an effective consortium.

Detailed SWOT Analysis of shortlisted AKINS 2.2.12

A detailed SWOT analysis framework was agreed both at National and State level to be pursued while

taking down details of shortlisted agencies’ profile and during personal visits and interaction with the

state heads of the respective organisations. This framework was quite elaborate and detailed in the

sense that a thorough probing could be done and then the state experts could weigh properly so as to

decide best possible role in the envisaged CCKN-IA framework. Detailed assessment of each of the

shortlisted agency is outlined (Annexure-1).

12

CHAPTER 2



13

CHAPTER 3

Results


CHAPTER 3 Results

3.1 Overview of organisations

The process of comparing different organisations, made it necessary to categorize the potential

stakeholders. In this way a clearer picture can be given by being able to compare within one category.

Basically organisations were assigned to one of the following two categories:

Primary content provider is an organisation whose nature of business comes from research

based work; most of such organisations are research and development institutes which were

established with mandate to do research on particular subject, field or domain and strengthen

Govt. policies and educational institutes.

Technology service provider organisations come from the technical background having

already served as VAS service provider or whose strength and focus lies in technology not in

content generation, such organisations come mostly from corporate or people having IT or

mobile background. They have secondary preference in content generation and they are not

registered to do research work.

Each of these organisations was clustered in a second step based on institutional setup and

corresponding subcategories:

Governmental Institution:

All organisations, institutes and other establishments, which either are directly under GoI

administration or affiliated to GoI or set up by Government of India as a company under section

25 of the Companies Act will be included under this category.

NGO:

o International NGOs are those having headquarters in any country other than India and

having liaison, branch or regional office in India, from where they are operating and

having status of Not-for-Profit Organisation.

o National NGOs are any organisations that have headquarters in India and are registered

under Indian Laws of Societies registration Act of India and having status of Not-for-Profit

Organisation.

Enterprise:

o International Enterprise are those which have headquarters in any country other than

India and have liaison, branch or regional office in India, from where they are operating

and established with subject of profits and earning money

o National Enterprises are any organisations which have headquarter in India and

registered under Indian Laws of Company’s Act and established with subject of profits

and earning money

14

CHAPTER 3

Results


Table 2: List of Shortlisted Organisations for SWOT Analysis

Unique

ID Name

Provider of NGO Enterprise

Aut

horis

ed

prim

ary

cont

ent

Tec

hnol

ogy

Inte

r-na

tiona

l

Nat

iona

l

Inte

r-na

tiona

l

Nat

iona

l

Soc

ial

1 MPKV ● ●

2 KVK - Baramati ● ●

3 KVK - Bhableshwar ● ●

4 NIAM ●

5 IMD ● ●

6 SKYMET ● ●

7 RML ● ●

8 IKSL - KCC ● ●

9 TCS-mKrishi ● ●

10 WOTR ● ● ●

11 BAIF ● ●

12 Vigyan Ashram ● ● ●

*All these agencies are to be part of a state level consortium initially and subsequently cooperate with

their counterparts or at least with a link node at two pilot district level. At both levels the Dept. of

Agriculture through its network and infrastructure would coordinate this consortium as nodal centre

and provide necessary ground to operate and cooperate for these partner organisations.

3.2 Overview and characterisation of Primary Content Providers

While pooling of primary content providers into the category of “Authorised Primary Content

Developer” it is also observed, many of them are also knowledge generators. These agencies are

either government, scientific, research based or educational institutes or some are private NGO types

who draw contents from their own working experience or from knowledge generators after

customisation. These agencies are present in the selected pilot districts/ blocks (Pune & Ahmednagar

districts) of CCKN-IA project and involved in undertaking on-farm demonstration and action research.

These agencies are likely to play important role in operationalizing component-4 of NMSA in near

future as part of convergence between these two projects.

It should be noted that not all shortlisted organisations are ‘authorised’ i.e. registered as research

institutions under ICAR.

15

CHAPTER 3

Results


Agro-Advisory Service: the term generally means specific advices on crop-weather outlook

that are intended to enhance the preparedness for taking up appropriate measures in the

event of deficit rainfall situations / prolonged dry spells or any other expected weather related

stresses. This not only encompasses weather based forecasting but also includes information

on several agro and allied subjects not limited to just some major crops. Crop varieties, which

are subject to Agro-advisory, can be divided in Field Crops (e.g. cereal, pulses, oilseeds, fibre,

spices, and fodder) and Horticulture Crops (vegetables, flowers, condiments, aromatic &

medicinal, fruits & nuts, and plantation). Allied fields include livestock and fishery (both in-land

and marine) for Maharashtra state.

Human Health: includes general health advices to women, farm field workers and children in

rural population. It includes primary health care, maternal & child health issues, household

nutritional aspects for rural mass.

Welfare schemes: launching of new schemes and provisions of on-going schemes, subsidy,

eligibility, point of service and intended benefits are highlighted.

Indigenous Technical Knowledge (ITK): these are basically some traditional practices or

know-how being prevalent in particular pockets of rural areas, which are considered very

effective in combating crisis situation pertaining to management of crop, livestock, human

health etc. These tips are documented and then disseminated with proper scientific value

addition by some organisations very effectively.

Insurance: information related to benefits and process of availing weather based crop-

insurance, and Governmental support provided in Insurance, this section will help in taking

claims also. An interface platform of insurance companies and customer would be of immense

help to dispel growing myths regarding insurance benefits.

Livestock: section will look into livestock which help in livestock rearing and management

practices that include large and small ruminants, poultry etc. Livestock plays an important role

in livelihoods promotion of rural mass and is all the more important now given the uncertainty

and risks associated with agriculture under climate change regime.

Fishery: is an important a vocation for the rural communities in Maharashtra especially in

coastal districts. The knack and traditional knowledge on fishery/ fishing for the community

has made this option a promising alternate livelihood support given more frequent weather

extremes these days, agriculture is hard hit.

Market: Role of market is increasing as market dynamics decide the opportune time for

supply of commodity based on demand-price elasticity. The major demand of farmers is

updated market price, which includes linkages to big buyers and warehousing of crops as well.

16

CHAPTER 3

Results


Natural Disaster: Deals with any kind of disaster which could affect village or farm fields

including, drought, flood, heavy rain, cyclone, etc. This has high relevance as Maharashtra is

increasingly faced with high prospects of rain, flood, drought and heat.

Weather: It is a vital theme that require regular updation and observation. High dynamism and

micro-scale projection of weather parameters and based on credible observations, forecast

models with short-term and medium term prediction is all required and a challenge still. Early

warning systems and weather advisories together with crop advisory are need of hour.

Horticulture& Agro-forestry: Section looks for information related to horticulture and agro

forestry

Crop package and Practices: Section looks for the information on crops package and

practise that are regional specific.

Government Programs: section looks for information on government programs, subsidies,

and eligibility and implementation modalities.

The shortlisting and overview of primary service providers viz. those engaged in knowledge generation

through research and field-demonstrations is restricted to the pilot districts selected for CCKN-IA and

NMSA. This constitutes the rainfed areas of Pune and Ahmednagar districts.

It should be noted that not all shortlisted organisations are ‘authorised’ i.e registered as research

institutions under ICAR.

The shortlisted organisations provide a comprehensive coverage of all domains required under the

CCKN-IA network. Of these three are engaged in applied research, technology demonstration and

extension under ICAR – NICRA, one is a research – cum – educational institute while three are

renowned NGOs having strong relevant expertise and local presence. Two agencies are engaged in

providing weather and climate related information to the public and private sector.

17

CHAPTER 3

Results


Table 2: List of Shortlisted Primary Content Providers & Knowledge Generators for SWOT Analysis

Unique

ID. Organisation

Domain

Agr

o-

Adv

isor

y

Hum

an

Hea

lth

Indi

geno

us

Tec

hnic

al

Kno

wle

dge

Insu

ranc

e

Liv

esto

ck

Mar

ket

Nat

ural

Dis

aste

r

Wea

ther

1 MPKV ● ● ● ● ●

2 KVK Baramati ● ● ● ● ● ●

3 KVK Bhableshwar ● ● ● ● ● ●

4 NIAM ● ●

5 IMD ● ● ●

6 SKYMET ● ●

10 WOTR ● ● ● ●

11 BAIF ●

12 Vigyan Ashram ● ● ● ● ●

3.3 Overview and characterisation of Technology Service Providers

As already stated out of 10 shortlisted agencies for the state level consortium mode, a few of them are

seen delivering multiple roles with overlapping services output in climate change adaptation and

climate resilient agriculture scenario. Technology service providers can be together seen with the

knowledge-information disseminators in the same broad categorisation.

Call Center comes in 3 categories:

o Physical Call Center is a “normal” call centre as we know from day to day life, with high

end infrastructure and agents sitting 24x7 on desk to resolve queries

o Cloud Call Center is a call centre where, physical infrastructure is totally removed as to

save money and initial interaction to customer is handled by computer operated IVR

(Interactive Voice Response) and response are provided from a server based database.

In case a query is not resolved it is then forwarded on mobile to a relevant Subject Matter

Expert

o Hybrid Call Center is mix of both above, call centres to save money in terms of high end

infrastructure and also give feel of human interaction.

IVR stands for Interactive Voice Response, which is a computer operated series of options,

where each option leads to another option or final answer. The caller has to provide entry with

numeric numbers as their desired query or question.

Mobile Apps is any kind of application, which could run on mobile as an Application (Apps).

This is not limited to high end smart phones, since basic phones even can run Apps through

applying USSD (Unstructured Supplementary Service Data) as well. USSD derives data in

18

CHAPTER 3

Results


real time based on input from users mobile App. There are various USSD based Apps running

on mobiles, mostly used to check talk time balance in mobile phones.

Out Bound Dialler Calls are bulk voice calls to users to inform about any information,

provided by MNOs (Mobile Network Operator) or VAS (Value Added Service). In farming

practice, many service providers use OBD as first mode because it can be understood by

illiterate and provided in local dialects.

Print Media disseminates any content on paper either on national or local level. Newspapers,

magazines, tabloid or A4 size content pasted on walls will come in this category.

Radio; Agro-advisories and agro related programmes aired on radio will come under this

category and community radios will be used more preferable over national radios to reach

farmers because in community radio villagers relate themselves and its widely listened over

National Radios.

SMS stands for Short Messaging Service, which can be received through mobile phones. This

technology is widely used in the service industry.

Videos are best way to show any activity which can be understood in a few minutes as live

example in local language.

Village Information Center a physical hub established in village to give various to farmers,

such as live video shows, access to internet, and availability of print materials as well as

personal interaction.

Training programmes personal contacts, field visits and training sessions on agriculture,

livestock, and forestry programs are some of the means that are used to disseminate

information to farmers in the rural area where penetration of technology and literacy level is

low.

Of the 12 shortlisted organisations, 9 are actively engaged as technology providers i.e. providing

information to farmers through various means like SMS, OBD, Community Radio, Web platform and

Print media.

19

CHAPTER 3

Results


Table 3: List of Shortlisted for Technology service providers & Information Disseminators for SWOT

Analysis

Uni

que

ID

Org

anis

atio

n

Domain

Cal

l Cen

ter

IVR

Mob

ile A

pps

Out

Bou

nd D

ialle

r

Cal

ls

Prin

t Med

ia

Rad

io

SM

S

Vid

eo

Vill

age

Info

rmat

ion

Cen

ter

Web

S

yste

m/

Pla

tform

1 MPKV ● ● ● ●

2 KVK

Baramati ● ● ● ● ●

3 KVK

B’Shwar ● ● ● ●

5 IMD ● ●

7 RML ●

8 IKSL –

KCC ● ●

9 TCS

mKrishi ●

10 WOTR ● ● ●

12 Vigyan

Ashram ●

20

CHAPTER 3

Results


3.3 Overview SWOT

SWOT of authorized primary content providers 3.3.1

Table 4: SWOT of primary content providers

U. No. Organization Strength (Internal)

Weakness (Internal)

Opportunities (External)

Threat (External)

1 Mahatma Phule Krishi Vidyapeeth

Agro-climatic Zone specific Research on Varieties and Agricultural Practices related to climate vulnerabilities. Involved in preparing Agro-Advisories. Good network of field-level institutions. Integral part of existing networks

No direct interface with villages and farmers (works through extension system of agriculture department)

Can provide appropriate technologies and practices to the network and field demonstrations Can prepare research / model / pilot project proposals and implement them under NMSA

2 & 3 Krishi Vigyan Kendras Baramati and Bhableshwar

Agro-climatic Zone specific Research on Varieties and Agricultural Practices related to climate vulnerabilities

Limited human resources (scientists, researchers, field agents) Needs financial support for collaboration with CCKN-IA / NMSA

Can provide appropriate technologies and practices to the network and support field demonstrations in respective districts Can assist in preparing Block Profile and Action Plans under NMSA - CCSAMN

Frequent transfers of scientists

4 National Institute of Abiotic Stress Management

Recognized National level Research Institute on Climate - Agriculture related issues

Not part of existing network Not specifically working in Pilot districts Geared to imparting education rather than field level activities

Can prepare research / model / pilot project proposals and implement them under NMSA

21

CHAPTER 3

Results



Weakness (Internal)


Threat (External)

5 Indian Meteorology Department

Premier National Institute providing Weather based services to Government and Private sectors Agro-Meteorology Division seals with weather forecasts, weather and agro-advisories. Integral part of existing Networks

Has flexible approach to provide tailor made services

6 SKYMET Captive AWS Network Extensive network of public and private sector clients

Does not provide services directly to farmers

Innovative business solutions IMD provides most of the same services

10 Watershed Organisation Trust

National NGO specializing in climate change adaptation and watershed development. Currently works in Ahmednagar district. Part of existing networks. Strong village level interface

Needs financial support for collaboration with CCKN-IA / NMSA

Can share experience of networking with IMD, CRIDA, MPKV Can support field level interventions in pilot districts.

11 BAIF Development Research Foundation

National NGO specializing in Animal Husbandry, Livestock Development, Agro-forestry and Cluster-based Tribal development approach.

Not part of existing networks Needs financial support for collaboration with CCKN-IA / NMSA

Can provide content related to Animal Husbandry, Livestock Development, Agro-forestry in context of climate change

12 Vigyan Ashram Involved in developing innovative solutions in fields of agriculture, energy, environment and rural livelihoods. Project villages located in Ahmednagar district.

Not part of any network. Does not provide advisory services to farmers on regular basis,

Can provide technical solutions as part of climate change adaptation and mitigation efforts

-

22

CHAPTER 3

Results


SWOT of Technology providers 3.3.2

Table 5: SWOT of technology service providers


Weakness (Internal)


Threat (External)

1 MPKV Integral part of existing network and supports KVKs, IMD, IKSL-KCC. Operates Communication centre for farmers.

Will need financial support Linkage with CCKN-IA will extend reach of network and also reach of MPKV

2 & 3 KVK Baramati KVK B’Shwar

Existing web-based platforms, SMS services to farmers

Restricted farmer base Will need financial support

Linkage with CCKN-IA will extend reach of network and also reach of KVKs

5 IMD Existing web-based platforms, SMS services to farmers

SMS services not fully operational eg. For Pune district

Linkage with CCKN-IA will extend reach of network and also reach of IMD

7 RML Existing SMS services to farmers. Extensive farmer base.Business model.

Will need financial support Linkage with CCKN-IA will extend reach of network and also reach of RML

8 IKSL - KCC Provides OBD and Call Centre services to farmers across the state. Integral part of existing network. Linkage with MoA.

Will need financial support

Linkage with CCKN-IA will extend reach of network and also reach of IKSL-KCC

9 TCS mKrishi Innovative technology model Linkage with NAIP and ICAR

Does not work in CCKN-IA pilot districts Will need financial support

Can test IVR model under CCKN-IA

10 WOTR Provides block and village specific services to farmers of project villages. Uses SMS and innovative communication channels such as Wall Posters and Loud-speakers to reach all farmers both men and women in the village. Dedicated AWS network.

Farmer base and services restricted to project villages. Will need financial support

Linkage with CCKN-IA will extend reach of network and also reach of WOTR

12 Vigyan Ashram Provides weather information through SMS and allows for posting of queries on ‘aAQUA’ website as part of its formal education program

Not part of an active network. Delayed response of queries. Does not generate agro-advisories.

- -

23

CHAPTER 4

Assessment


CHAPTER 4 Assessment

The shortlisted organisations present a good mix of primary content providers and technology service

providers across the various domains relevant to CCKN-IA framework and NMSA–CCSAMN

convergence.

Following section presents the assessment of these organizations.

4.1 Primary content providers:

Weather and climate 4.1.1

Based on the domain of expertise, India Meteorological Department (IMD) is the premier institute that

offers weather forecasts at Maharashtra. It’s a government organization and has linkages with

Mahatma Phule Krishi Vidyapeeth for issuing agro advisories at district level. Weather forecasts and

Agro Advisories are currently being issued regularly for all the districts of Maharashtra. Regarding the

cost, IMD provides weather forecasts and agro advisories free of cost. IMD is an important

stakeholder at Maharashtra that is currently issuing weather forecast to MPKV and Zonal Agricultural

Research Stations (ZARS). This existing channel of communication can be strengthened if IMD is the

stakeholder of CCKN-IA.

Hence, it can be proposed that IMD can be important stakeholder that can provide weather forecasts

to CCKN-IA network.

Agro advisories 4.1.2

At Maharashtra, IMD and MPKV issue Agro Advisories for each districts. MPKV along with ZARS

receives weather forecasts from IMD and prepares Agro Advisories in English and Hindi languages

twice in a week. Currently, Agro Advisories are issued regularly for each district. The Agro Advisories

contains specific information regarding weather forecast, crop practices, livestock and horticulture.

The Agro Advisories are authorized by IMD and MPKV and are issued timely.

Crops/ Package and Practices 4.1.3

MPKV has the knowledge domain for agriculture, livestock, and forestry. As it’s a State Agricultural

University, recommendations of MPKV are considered primary and authorized. It is also engaged with

research on crop varieties, package of practices, horticulture and livestock.

Both KVKs, are engaged in conducting on farm demonstrations and field trials of research varieties in

their respective districts. Their knowledge and learning can a part of crops knowledge domain. So, for

24

CHAPTER 4

Assessment


the knowledge domain of crops and package and practices, MPKV and KVKs can be considered as

important stakeholder for CCKN-IA network at Maharashtra.

Livestock 4.1.4

MPKV, BAIF undertakes basic, applied and adaptive research in all disciplines relating to livestock

and poultry production. It has updates and standardize package of practices concerning feeding,

management, health coverage including disease diagnosis, breeding strategies, reproduction and

livestock and poultry production technology.

MPKV can be considered as knowledge domain for livestock for the CCKN-IA network at

Maharashtra.

4.2 Technology service providers

Call Centre 4.2.1

IKSL-KCC and KVKs manages the Kisan Call Centre. Selected farmers use Kisan Call Centre toll free

number to get agriculture related information. IKSL has team of agriculture experts that answers to

farmer’s query. However, awareness of farmers related to Kisan Call Center is very limited at

Maharashtra and few farmers’ access services from the Kisan Call Center. Limited use of Kisan Call

Centre due to lack of awareness is also evident from the baseline survey conducted at Maharashtra.

IKSL can be one of the stakeholders of CCKN-IA Network that currently uses Call Center as a

technology to provide agriculture information. However, awareness on Kisan Call Center among the

farmers of Maharashtra needs to be developed.

IVRS 4.2.2

RML, e-agriculture expert system is the only organization that uses IVRS and SMS technology to

disseminate agriculture information.

Mobile App 4.2.3

There are no organizations at Maharashtra that uses mobile apps for dissemination of information.

Out Bound Dialer (OBD) 4.2.4

IKLS is only organization that provides agriculture information using OBD technology.

Print Materials 4.2.5

MPKV and KVKs use print materials to disseminate agriculture information.

25

CHAPTER 4

Assessment


Radio 4.2.6

MPKV and KVKs use the radio technology as a mode to disseminate agriculture related information.

AS per the baseline survey of CCKN-IA conducted at Maharashtra, farmers had low preference to use

radio to access agriculture related information.

SMS 4.2.7

Currently, RML use SMS to disseminate agriculture related information to the registered farmers.

Kisan Call Center also registers farmers whenever a farmers calls to the Call Center. Specific

information desired by farmers is shared to the registered farmers through SMS. However, the extent

of registered farmers is low at Maharashtra.

With regard to SMS based information dissemination, RML and IKSL (Kisan Call Center) will be the

important stakeholders for the CCKN-IA network.

Web Based Portals 4.2.8

Updated Agro Advisories are available at IMD, TCS-mKrishi and BAU web portal.

Training Programs 4.2.9

MPKV, IMD and KVKs uses training programs to disseminate agriculture information.

The shortlisted organisations present a good mix of primary content providers and technology

providers across the various domains relevant to CCKN-IA and NMSA – CCSAMN.

26

CHAPTER 4

Assessment


27

CHAPTER 5

Recommendation for Maharashtra


CHAPTER 5 Recommendation for Maharashtra

Based on the assessment of primary content providers and technology providers, it is recommended

that the following organizations can be part of the CCKN-IA network for Maharashtra.

Figure 1: CCKN-IA selected partners

Figure 1 depicts all the partner agencies shortlisted through detailed SWOT analysis in the state are

proposed to be part of a state level consortium under CCKN-IA network. The Department of

Agriculture would be the principal coordinating agency from the Government of Maharashtra side

creating a platform for all these agencies to cooperate and coordinate with each other delivering the

purpose of proposed information knowledge network.

Climate Change Knowledge Network in Indian

Agriculture

MPAUKVK

Baramati

KVK Bhableswar

NIAM

IMD

Skymet

RML

IKSL ‐ KCC

TCS‐mKrishi

WOTR

BAIF

Vigyan Ashram

28

CHAPTER 5



Table 6: Suggestion of organizations for specific roles in CCKN-IA Network in Maharashtra

U.ID Organization Primary content provider Technology provider 1 MPKV Identify best varieties / breeds and

practices for the specific climate vulnerabilities and introduce them to the extension agencies and farmers.

Provide relevant content through communications centre. Call centre, Radio and Print media. Technical support for preparing Agro-Advisories

2 KVK Baramati Identify best varieties / breeds and practices for the specific climate vulnerabilities and introduce them to the extension agencies and farmers. Preparation of Micro-level Contingency plans for specific crops.


3 KVK Bhableshwar

Identify best varieties / breeds and practices piloted under NICRA for the specific climate vulnerabilities with a view to conduct Technology Demonstrations and Farmer Training in Ahmednagar district. Preparation of Micro-level Contingency plans for specific crops.


5 IMD Provide weather and climate information for Pilot districts. Support establishment of AWS Network and processing of data

Technical support for preparing Agro-Advisories

7 RML - Provide information to registered farmers through SMS. Business plan can be tested in CCKN-IA pilot districts,

8 IKSL-KCC - Provide information to registered farmers through OBD. Farmers can access KCC Call Centre for specific queries.

10 WOTR Replicate WOTR climate change adaptation and mitigation model in selected blocks. Support KVKs in development of Contingency Plans. Provide community interface in CCKN Gram Panchayats.

Support development of Crop and farmer specific advisories. Provide information through Wall Posters, Loud speakers and field agents.

11 BAIF Provide primary content related to livestock development, agro-forestry and tribal development all of which are integral part of any CC adaptation and mitigation model,

Support development of Agro-advisories

29

CHAPTER 5



5.1 Specific Recommendations for individual AKIN players after detailed SWOT analysis

1 Mahatma Phule Krishi Vidyapeeth: MPKV covers the pilot districts and provides a whole

range of services to the Agriculture department, KVKs and farmers. It is engaged on research on crop

varieties, package of practices, horticulture and livestock as part of climate change adaptation, It is in

a position to channelize ICAR projects related to climate resilient agriculture. It is also providing agro-

advisory services along with IMD.

Based on research, MPKV will be to identify best varieties / breeds and practices for the specific

climate vulnerabilities and introduce them to the extension agencies and farmers.

2, 3 Krishi Vigyan Kendras: Both KVKs at Baramati (Pune district) and Bhableshwar

(Ahmednagar district) are implementing the NICRA initiative which is a good fit with the CCKN-IA and

NMSA-CCSAMN. KVKs are also functioning as Technology Providers for the respective districts

through channels such as SMS, web platform, Community Radio etc. and are in a position to get direct

feed-back from the farmers due to their proximity to the villages.

The Annual action Plans for 2013-14 and 2014-15 were made available. These plans cover a large

number of activities from soil and water conservation, water harvesting, agricultural equipment and

agricultural practices. There is potential to identify the successful best practices and scale-up in the

CCKN villages. The current AAPs are generic in nature and need to be more focused on climate

resilient agricultural practices geared to specific vulnerabilities.

District level Contingency Plans have been prepared by the KVKs. However these are generic and do

not adequately address the different agro-climatic zones within the districts.

4. National Institute for Abiotic Stress Management: NIAM is engaged in research and

education through the four schools namely Drought Stress Management, Atmospheric Stress

Management, Edaphic Stress Management and Policy support Research. It is not directly engaged in

extension as part of a network for dissemination.

NIAM can take up research projects where gaps in knowledge exist, under the NMSA – CCSAMN pilot

/ research / model project agenda.

5. Indian Meteorology Department: As the premier provider of weather related data, forecasts,

warnings and analysis, IMD is an indispensable partner in any network dealing with climate change.

Furthermore the Agromet Division is actively engaged in providing weather and agro-advisories

though SMS and Web-platform. Major network players like IKSL – KCC also depend on IMD for

weather data. IMD is also flexible to link up with NGOs like WOTR to meet specific needs at micro-

level.

30

CHAPTER 5



6. SKYMET: SKYMET is providing a range of innovative business solutions in the field of

weather and climate information to the public and private sector. The relevance for CCKN-IA network

needs to be further explored vis-à-vis IMD.

7. Reuters Market Lite: RML is a major player in the state and also in Pune district where it

provides tailor made content to farmers across wide range of information ranging from weather,

agriculture practices, markets etc. through the medium of SMS. Of particular interest is the business

model of RMS where it has succeeded in getting farmers to pay for these services.

8. IFFCO Kisan Sanchar Limited – Kisan Call Centre: Both these major technology providers

having vast coverage across the state have been taken together since they are managed by IKSL.

The IKSL model uses voice messaging through mobile while KCC uses the call centre model. Both

services are provided free to farmers. While the IKSL initiative is funded by IFFCO, the KCC is funded

by MoA and hence strongly linked to the Department of Agriculture, GoM.

9. TCS mKrishi: The mKrishi model is currently being piloted in 4 states under the NIAP project.

There are no immediate plans to work in Pune and Ahmednagar districts which are selected under

CCKN-IA and NMSA-CCSAMN.

10. Watershed Organization Trust: The climate change adaptation and mitigation model of

WOTR has evolved over it’s decades long experience with implementing the watershed development

projects in rainfed areas of the country. Hence it is strongly rooted in field level experience and the

participatory process. WOTR has also evolved valuable partnerships with national agencies such as

IMD and CRIDA to add value to the knowledge generated from the field. WOTR is firmly rooted in

Ahmednagar district and is open to working in Pune district as well,

11. BAIF Development Research Foundation: BAIF while not actively a part of existing climate

change knowledge networks is a premier NGO which has decades long experience and made

valuable contributions in the field of livestock development, agro-forestry and tribal development, all of

which are important to the CCKN-IA network. BAIF was also a partner in the Climate Change,

Agriculture and Food Security project under CGAIR.

12. Vigyan Ashram: The NGO is involved in developing innovative technical solutions to specific

problems relevant to climate change adaptation and mitigation and as such is not a network player. It

also does not generate content such as agro-advisories, weather and climate information.

31

ANNEXES


Annexes

32

ANNEXES


33

ANNEX 1: SHORT LIST OF ORGANIZATIONS RETAINED AS POTENTIAL PARTNERS OF CCKN-IA


Annex 1: Short list of organizations retained as potential partners of CCKN-IA

34



35



1. MAHATMA PHULE KRISHI VIDYAPEETH

A) CONTACT: Dr. R.H. Patil, Director - Research

B) CATEGORY: Primary Content Service Provider – Research Institute under ICAR

C) ORGANISATION DETAILS: State Agricultural University. The Mahatma Phule Krishi Vidyapeeth,

Rahuri is a statutory body of the Government of Maharashtra. It is headed by the Vice-Chancellor

who is appointed by the Hon. Chancellor of the State. The minister for Agriculture is a pro

chancellor of the University. The Maharashtra Council Agricultural Education and Research

(MCAER) is established to co-ordinate the smooth functioning of four agricultural universities in

the State.

D) ACTIVITIES: Formal education in various disciplines of Agricultural Sciences (B.Sc, M.Sc,

Doctorate) and Agricultural Engineering (B.Tech, M.Tech); Research Projects under ICAR,

Outreach to Farmers.

E) OUTREACH OF ACTIVITIES: The jurisdiction of Mahatma Phule Krishi Vidyapeeth, Rahuri

extends over Western Maharashtra covering ten districts. The University has a very good network

of research stations spread over different agro-climatic zones of Western Maharashtra. In all 23

research stations, 4 State level specialists and 16 research testing/verification centers are located

in different agro-climatic zones in addition to 4 Zonal Agricultural Research Stations.

F) APPLIED TECHNOLOGIES: Technology Demonstration on Campus and Farmer Fields,

Disseminating Agro Advisory Services through different dissemination tools, conducting different

Kisan melas etc

G) COMMUNICATION CHANNELS:

Communication Centre: The Communication Centre of the University was established in the

year May 1982 with the financial assistance of ICAR New Delhi, for 5 years. The centre is

established for effective use of mass media in transfer of technology. The unit produces literature

for the farmers and extension workers viz., folders, booklets, magazines, krishi darshani and

organizes publicity of news items, exhibitions, preparation and production of audio-visual aids,

broadcasting of agricultural programmes in transfer of technology through All India Radio and

Doordarshan and organizing public relating media for communication of agricultural technology

and guidance through correspondence.

Krishi Vidyan Kendras

Pilot Project on Technology Assessment and Refinement through Institution-Village

Linkage

36



H) BUDGET / FINANCIAL RESOURCES: University Grants Commission, ICAR, Fees from students.

I) SWOT: MPKV


Inte

rnal

Orig

in /

curr

ent s

ituat

ion

Strength: - Capacities (human resources, technology, knowledge,

financial) SAU has strong capacity in terms of research staff, infrastructure and finance from ICAR.

- Willingness / commitment Director-Research has participated in the SOPW and expressed willingness to collaborate with CCKN-IA.

- Key player in an existing and working network SAU is involved with IMD and Agriculture department in preparing Agro-advisories. Scientists are also on stand-by to answer telephonic queries from farmers and agencies including IKSL, KCC.

- Thematic relevance SAU is involved in conducting research specific to agro-climatic zones.

- Quality of services (content, timeliness, efficiency, reach, Innovative) Yet to be assessed

- Compliance with rules and regulations SAU is compliant to ICAR rules and regulations

- Operates in Pilot Districts Yes, operational area includes both Pune and Ahmednagar districts

- Existing Feedback mechanism Through communication centre, farmer clubs etc.

Weakness: - Dependant on ICAR for funds

to finance research. - Not very innovative - Feedback mechanism not in

place i.e weak links with farmers

Ext

erna

l inf

luen

ce /

futu

re

Opportunities: - Potential to contribute and access the network

(innovativeness reach, technology, content) Strong potential to contribute as primary content provider

- Access to additional external funds - Increase motivation / reputation / visibility - Access to knowledge

Threats: -

37



2. KRISHI VIGYAN KENDRA - BARAMATI

A) CONTACT: Dr. R.S.Jadhav, Project Coordinator

(Mobile: 9422519193 email: [email protected])

B) CATEGORY: Authorized Content Service Provider - Research Institute under ICAR

C) ORGANISATION DETAILS: The Krishi Vigyan Kendra (Farm Science Center) is a district level

organization established by the Indian Council of Agricultural Research (ICAR), New Delhi at

Agricultural Development Trust Baramati District Pune for speedy transfer of technology to the

farmers’ fields.

D) ACTIVITIES:

NICRA: KVK is one of the 100 KVKs in the country implementing the National Initiative for

Climate Resilient Agriculture.

Innovative Extension Activities: This KVK reaches the farmers with Interactive Voice

Response System(IVR), which is meant to retrieve the information on 24X7 basis

throughout the year by the use of telephone. This system provides information of current

weather, weather forecasts, current market rates for agricultural commodities and future

trading rates, agro advisory for the month and products available for the sale in the KVK.

To access this information one has to dial (02112) 255207. This KVK is one of the few

KVKs in the country to run Community radio station ‘Sharad Krishi Vahini’

Training

Extension

E) OUTREACH OF ACTIVITIES: The operational area of this Krishi Vigyan Kendra comes under the

western Maharashtra dry Zone.

F) APPLIED TECHNOLOGIES: Technology Demonstration on Campus and Farmer Fields.

G) COMMUNICATION CHANNELS: IVR, Call Centre, Community Radio

H) BUDGET / FINANCIAL RESOURCES: ICAR

38



I) SWOT: KVK BARAMATI


Inte

rnal

Orig

in /

curr

ent s

ituat

ion


financial) - KVK has strong capacity in terms of research staff,

infrastructure. - KVK has participated in the SOPW and District Steering

Committee and expressed willingness to collaborate with CCKN-IA.

- Key player in an existing and working network KVK has it’s own network to reach out to farmers in it’s operational area. Scientists are also on stand-by to answer telephonic queries from farmers and agencies including IKSL, KCC.

- Thematic relevance KVK is involved in conducting research and extension activities specific to agro-climatic zones. KVK is also implementing NICRA.

- Quality of services (content, timeliness, efficiency, reach, Innovative)

- Based on the AAPs and presentations made at SOPW it appears that the activities under NICRA are quite generic and restricted to one village.

- KVK is compliant to ICAR rules and regulations - Operates in Pilot Districts - Existing Feedback mechanism-Through communication

centre, farmer clubs etc.

Weakness: - Dependant on ICAR for funds

to finance research. - NICRA activities restricted to

one village. - Activities under NICRA are not

very innovative - Feedback mechanism seems

to be weak

Ext

erna

l inf

luen

ce /

fu

ture

Opportunities: - Collaboration with CCKN will strengthen capacity of the

KVK - Potential to contribute and access the network

(innovativeness reach, technology, content) KVK can contribute as primary content provider

- Access to additional external funds - Funds from CCKN-IA or CCSAMN for research and

technology demonstrations would help the KVK in fulfilling it’s mandate.

Threats: - Transfer of Concerned Staff

39



3. KRISHI VIGYAN KENDRA - BHABLESHWAR

A. CONTACT: Dr. Bhaskar Gaikwad, Project Coordinator ([email protected])

B. CATEGORY: Authorized Primary Content Provider - Research Institute under ICAR,

Implementation agency: PIRENS (National NGO)

C. ORGANISATION DETAILS: Taking the note of the developmental activities of PIRENS the Indian

Council of Agricultural Research, New Delhi granted its sanction for establishment of the Krishi

Vigyan Kendra (the Farm Science Centre) in May 1992.

The Krishi Vigyan Kendra Babhaleshwar Dt. Ahmednagar has bagged the Best KVK National

Award 2011 for the second time at National level and for third time from ICAR.

D. OBJECTIVES / MISSION: Krishi Vigyan Kendra, Bableshwar delivers demand driven agricultural

products and services by qualified professionals. The aim of this organization is to reduce the time

lag between generation of technology at the research institutions and it’s transfer to the farmer’s

field for increasing production, productivity and income from the agriculture and allied sectors on a

sustained basis.

E. ACTIVITIES: The NICRA Project activities of KVK Ahmednagar have started in March 2011 at

Pimpri Nirmal Village Taluka-Rahata Dt. Ahmednagar which is a representative village of the

Ahmednagar District having poor soil, water and other natural resources.

F. OUTREACH OF ACTIVITIES: Rahata block

J) APPLIED TECHNOLOGIES: Technology Demonstration on Campus and Farmer Fields.

G. COMMUNICATION CHANNELS: Call Centre, Community Radio

H. BUDGET / FINANCIAL RESOURCES: ICAR

40



I. SWOT: KVK BHABLESHWAR


Inte

rnal

Orig

in /

curr

ent s

ituat

ion

Strength: - Capacities (human resources, technology,

knowledge, financial) - KVK has strong capacity in terms of research

staff, infrastructure. - Willingness / commitment

KVK has participated in the SOPW and expressed willingness to collaborate with CCKN.

- Key player in an existing and working network KVK has it’s own network to reach out to farmers in it’s operational area. Scientists are also on stand-by to answer telephonic queries from farmers and agencies including IKSL, KCC.

- Thematic relevance KVK is involved in conducting research specific to agro-climatic zones. KVK is also implementing NICRA.

- Quality of services (content, timeliness, efficiency, reach, Innovative) Based on the AAPs and presentations made at SOPW it appears that the activities under NICRA are quite generic and restricted to one village.

- Compliance with rules and regulations KVK is compliant to ICAR rules and regulations

- Operates in Pilot Districts Yes, operational area is southern blocks of Pune district.

- Existing Feedback mechanism Through communication centre, farmer clubs etc.

Weakness: - Dependant on ICAR for funds to

finance research. - NICRA activities restricted to one

village. - Activities under NICRA are not very

innovative - Feedback mechanism seems to be

weak

Ext

erna

l inf

luen

ce /

futu

re Opportunities:

- Increase capacities Collaboration with CCKN-IA will strengthen capacity of the KVK

- Potential to contribute and access the network (innovativeness reach, technology, content) KVK can contribute as primary content provider

- Access to additional external funds Funds from CCKN-IA – CCSAMN for research and technology demonstrations would help the KVK in fulfilling it’s mandate.

Threats: - Threats of transfer of concerned

staffs

41



4. NATIONAL INSTITUTE FOR ABIOTIC STRESS MANAGEMENT

A. CONTACT: Dr. P.S.Nimhas, Director (0212-254057 [email protected])

B. CATEGORY Primary Content Service Provider - National Research Institute under ICAR

C. ORGANISATION DETAILS The legal status of the National Institute of Abiotic Stress

management is Deemed-to-be-University.

D. OBJECTIVES / MISSION: The mandate of the institute is to enhance the capacity for abiotic

stress management through basic, strategic, and policy support research. The institute will

strongly complement the ongoing R&D under National Agricultural Research System (NARS)

To undertake basic and strategic research on management of abiotic stresses of crop

plants, animals, fishes and micro-organisms through genetic, biotechnological and

nano-technological tools and agronomic methods for enhanced sustainable productivity,

food/feed quality and farm profitability adopting integrated interdisciplinary approaches

To develop human resources of high quality as an academic institute

To develop a Global Center of Excellence by establishing linkages and networking with

national and international institutes/agencies and

To act as repository of information on abiotic stress and management.

E. ACTIVITIES: The institute conducts research programme through four schools namely

Drought Stress Management, Atmospheric Stress Management, Edaphic Stress Management

and Policy support Research. The NIAM should concentrate in cutting-edge research in

frontier areas so that real benefit through the associated institutional set up could be

harnessed.

F. OUTREACH OF ACTIVITIES: NA

G. APPLIED TECHNOLOGIES: Formal Research and Education

H. COMMUNICATION CHANNELS: NA

I. BUDGET / FINANCIAL RESOURCES: ICAR

42



J) SWOT: NIASM


Inte

rnal

Orig

in /

curr

ent s

ituat

ion


knowledge, financial) - NIAM has strong capacity for basic research

and formal education - Willingness / commitment

NIAM has participated in the SOPW and expressed willingness to be part of the network.

- Thematic relevance The mandate of NISAM i.e abiotic stress management fits in well with that of the CCKN-IA.

- Compliance with rules and regulations Under ICAR

Weakness: - Not clearly positioned in a network - Mandate is formal education and hence

weak links with farmers

Ext

erna

l inf

luen

ce /

fu

ture

Opportunities: - Potential to contribute and access the network

(innovativeness reach, technology, content) NIASM can be encouraged to take up specific research projects under the Research / Model / Pilot project component of CCSAMN.

- Access to additional external funds - Increase motivation / reputation / visibility

Threats: -

43



5. INDIA METEOROLOGICAL DEPARTMENT

A) CONTACT: Dr. Megha Khole, Dy Dir. General

B) CATEGORY: Primary Content Service Provider – Government of India

C) ORGANISATION DETAILS: Headquarters of IMD is located at Pune

D) OBJECTIVES / MISSION:

To maintain long term authenticated meteorological records

To provide the data series for research and national building activities

To design optimal observational network for collection of reliable meteorological data

To issue seasonal forecasts of southwest monsoon rainfall for economic growth of country

To advice farmers about cropping patterns, to face the vagaries of monsoon rainfall

To Install and upkeep of surface meteorological instruments.

To issue day to day weather condition (actual and expected) over the country.

To lay down norms for the aviation and cyclone warning services for the country to keep at

par with the international standard.

To impart training in the field of weather forecasting to Indian, South Asian and African

meteorologists

E) ACTIVITIES: Agri-meteorological Division: The prime object of Agricultural Meteorology Division,

India Meteorological Department (IMD), Pune is to minimize the impact of adverse weather on

crops and to make use of crop-weather relationships to boost agricultural production. The

Agricultural Meteorology Division supports and participates in multi-disciplinary activities in this

field. It is also the centre for research programmes in agricultural meteorology and has field units

in various parts of the country. Besides, forecasts and advisories for farmers are issued by IMD’s

Forecasting Offices located at different State capitals.

F) OUTREACH OF ACTIVITIES: National (all states)

G) APPLIED TECHNOLOGIES: NA

H) COMMUNICATION CHANNELS: Web, SMS based alerts, weather information and agro-

advisories

I) BUDGET / FINANCIAL RESOURCES: Government of India

44



J) SWOT: IMD


Inte

rnal

Orig

in /

curr

ent s

ituat

ion


knowledge, financial) IMD has strong capacity in all areas.

- Willingness / commitment IMD has participated in SOPW and expressed willingness to be part of the network.

- Key player in an existing and working network IMD is the key player for agro-advisory and weather related information services for the government and private players as well.

- Thematic relevance Services provided by IMD fit well into the thematic mandate of CCKNIA

- Quality of services (content, timeliness, efficiency, reach, Innovative) IMD is providing regular weather information (daily) and agro-advisories (biweekly) free of cost on it’s website.Compliance with rules and regulations Compliant with GoI regulations

- Operates in Pilot States and Districts : Yes

Weakness: - IMD weather information is generated

at district level and hence misses out on micro-climatic variations.

- Since it is a GoI institution certain bureaucratic procedures may be expected regarding tie-ups.

Ext

erna

l inf

luen

ce /

futu

re

Opportunities: - Increase capacities

Collaboration with CCKNIA would offer the opportunity of refining the information services at block-level

- Enter new markets / thematic fields - Potential to contribute and access the network

(innovativeness reach, technology, content) Through it’s tie-up with WOTR, IMD has demonstrated the potential to participate in innovative ventures and can be a valuable primary content provider to the network.


Threats: - Private national and international

providers such as SKYMET, Weather Channel are also offering competition through tailor made and innovative information products.

45



6. SKYMET

A) CONTACT: Mr. Yogesh Patil

B) CATEGORY: Primary Content Service Provider, Technology Service Provider – National

Enterprise

C) ORGANISATION DETAILS: SKYMET is a leading weather forecasting and agriculture risk

solutions company. It has created weather-based business solutions for media, power, shipping

and telecom. It also provides risk management services to power, renewable energy (wind and

solar), aviation, construction and the food & beverage industry in India.

D) ACTIVITIES:

Media: SKYMET provides weather and climate information to major newspapers and TV

channels in India.

Insurance: SKYMET is the largest player in the agri-insurance sector providing data to public

and private sector insurance companies,

Agriculture: SKYMET provides weather forecasts to private technology providers like RML

and Nokia Life Tools, agri-extension services of Bayer Crop Sciences, BASF Agrichemicals,

Monsanto and TATA Rallis.

The product & service bouquet comprises:

weather data from its captive weather station network

weather forecasts from its proprietary models

value-added advisory services

Long range(15-30 day) rainfall forecasts

Predicted 2009 drought and 2012 below normal rainfall successfully

Supporting agri input companies in understand and managing risk

Rich experience in remote sensing and CCE driven yield & acreage calculations

World Bank and AIC funded research projects

Yield measurement for Insurance majors under MNAIS

E) OUTREACH OF ACTIVITIES: National (all states)

F) APPLIED TECHNOLOGIES: NA

G) COMMUNICATION CHANNELS: Web portal

H) BUDGET / FINANCIAL RESOURCES: Business Enterprise

46



I) SWOT: SKYMET


Inte

rnal

Orig

in /

curr

ent s

ituat

ion


knowledge, financial) A private player, SKYMET has strong in-house capacity

- Willingness / commitment Participated in the SOPW and expressed willingness to be a part of the network

- Key player in an existing and working network Yes, provides information services to government and private players such as RML

- Thematic relevance Information services are relevant to the CCKN

- Quality of services (content, timeliness, efficiency, reach, Innovative) To be assessed.

- Compliance with rules and regulations This is a private player and needs to be assessed.

- Existing Feedback mechanism Needs to be assessed.

Weakness: - GoM seems to have issues in their

current tie-up with SKYMET which need to be explored

- SKYMET is a business enterprise and hence the cost of their involvement in the CCKNIA would need to be discussed.

Ext

erna

l inf

luen

ce /

futu

re Opportunities:

- Increase capacities - Enter new markets / thematic fields - Potential to contribute and access the network

(innovativeness reach, technology, content) - Access to additional external funds - Increase motivation / reputation / visibility - Access to knowledge

Threats: - Strong competition from IMD which

is the authorised agency of GoI.

47



7. REUTERS MARKET LITE (RML)

A) CONTACT: In Pune – Mr. Surjaya Sinha (mobile: 09922915296) – Content Operations

B) CATEGORY: Technology Service Provider – Corporate

C) ORGANISATION DETAILS: RML has a full-fledged office in Pune and has employed number of

staff including subject matter specialists for preparation of Agro-Advisories. It has tie-up with

SKYMET for provision for weather related information.

D) OBJECTIVES / MISSION: Reuters Market Light is a pioneering mobile phone based, highly

personalised, professional information service specially designed to support the farming

community. It provides expert information to farmers at every stage of their crop cycle, right from

pre-sowing to selling of the crop thus enabling them to take informed decisions.

E) ACTIVITIES: Farmers receive crop advisory, taluka specific weather forecasts, local market price

information, local and international commodity information and any other agri-rural information

relevant to the farming community, direct to their mobile phones.

F) OUTREACH OF ACTIVITIES: Approximately 40-45 lac farmers in Maharashtra are subscribed to

RML services.


H) COMMUNICATION CHANNELS:

SMS: Currently all information is disseminated to subscribers through SMS.

IVRS (under testing) for general messages. Not-preferred for weather info as it cannot be

stored / easily recalled.

Call Center: Customer Care support.

Web Portal: Krishi Doot initiative through SFAC (Small Farmers Agri Consortium)

I) BUDGET / FINANCIAL RESOURCES:

Currently, subscribers need to purchase a RML Card (Rs. 999 for 6 months and Rs. 2000 for

24 months).

Tie-ups with Government / Donor supported projects, NABARD etc.

48



J) SWOT: RML


Inte

rnal

Orig

in /

curr

ent s

ituat

ion


knowledge, financial) As a private enterprise engaged in dissemination of information, RML has strong technical and financial capacity.

- Willingness / commitment RML has participated in the SOPW and expressed willingness to be part of the network

- Key player in an existing and working network Yes, RML has its own network in place along with partners like SKYMET, IMD and others

- Thematic relevance: Relevant to CCKNIA - Quality of services (content, timeliness, efficiency,

reach, Innovative): Reputed to be satisfactory since this is a service for which farmers have to pay for. Further assessment would be necessary.

- Compliance with rules and regulations Private enterprise.

- Operates in Pilot States and Districts (PUNE excluding Haveli taluka)

- Existing Feedback mechanism: Yes

Weakness: - Not currently operating in Ahmednagar

district - Since it is not a primary content

provider, knowledge generation capacity is limited

- Cost of involvement may be high since this is a for-profit enterprise

Ext

erna

l inf

luen

ce /

fu

ture

Opportunities: - Increase capacities - Enter new markets / thematic fields: Partnering

with CCKNIA will help RML to refine the package and services provided

- Potential to contribute and access the network (innovativeness reach, technology, content)


Threats: - Increasing competition / numbers of

players

49



8. IFFCO KISAN SANCHAR LIMITED (IKSL) and KISAN CALL CENTRE (KCC)

A) CONTACT: Mr. Raju Hiras (mobile: 09890956655) – Content Manager – Maharashtra

B) CATEGORY: Technology Service Provider – National Enterprise

C) ORGANISATION DETAILS: IKSL is promoted by Indian Farm and Fertilizer Cooperative. IKSL

also operates the MoA funded Kisan Call Centre across the country.

D) OBJECTIVES / MISSION: Empower farmers and people living in rural India with pertinent and

high quality information and services, through affordable communication network, in a

sustainable manner. To work concertedly to develop content and services which will improve

informed decision making by people living in Indian villages.

E) ACTIVITIES: IKSL provides information related to Agriculture, Animal Husbandry, Health and

Rural Development through mobile phones to the rural community. IKSL also operates the MoA

funded Kisan Call Centre across the country.

F) OUTREACH OF ACTIVITIES: Currently, approximately 1 lac farmers in Maharashtra are

subscribed to IKSL services.


H) COMMUNICATION: CHANNELS: OBD, Call Centre


IKSL supported by IFFCO

KCC supported by MoA.

50



J) SWOT: IKSL & KCC


Inte

rnal

Orig

in /

curr

ent s

ituat

ion


knowledge, financial): As a private enterprise engaged by GOI to implement the KCC, IKSL has strong technical and financial capacity. IKSL also has its own network. Financially supported by IFFCO.

- Willingness / commitment IKSL has participated in the SOPW and expressed willingness to be part of the network

- Key player in an existing and working network Yes, IKSL has its own network in place along with partners. Strong linkage with state government.

- Thematic relevance: Relevant to CCKN - Quality of services (content, timeliness, efficiency,

reach, Innovative) Reputed to be satisfactory since this is a service for which farmers have to pay for. Further assessment would be necessary.

- Compliance with rules and regulations Private enterprise, however under government regulations for KCC.

- Operates in Pilot States and Districts (Pune and Ahmednagar)

- Existing Feedback mechanism: Yes

Weakness: - Since it is not a primary content

provider, knowledge generation capacity is limited

Ext

erna

l inf

luen

ce /

fu

ture

Opportunities: - Increase capacities - Enter new markets / thematic fields

Partnering with CCKNIA will help IKSL to refine the package and services provided

- Potential to contribute and access the network (innovativeness reach, technology, content)



players

51



9. TATA CONSULTANCY SERVICES – mKirshi

A) CONTACT: Mr. Dinesh Kumar Singh – Group Leader, TCS Innovation Lab, Mumbai.

([email protected])

B) CATEGORY Technology Service Provider – National Enterprise

C) ORGANISATION DETAILS: World Bank GEF funded National Agricultural Innovation Project

(NAIP) is a special project vehicle to identify Innovations in Climate Change Adaptation towards

Livelihood sustainability in vulnerable region. On 31st Aug 2012 TCS was involved in NAIP as a

consortia partners – the only IT Company. It provides opportunity to collaborate with Indian

Council of Agricultural Research (ICAR) and 90+ of its Research Institutes and Universities,

officially. Also, an access to knowledge base and various research models.

D) OBJECTIVES / MISSION: Providing farmers with innovative technology to tap into scientific and

agricultural knowledge sources meaningfully can make a significant impact in rural scenarios.

Towards this end, TCS Mobile Agro Advisory System (mKrishi) connects farmers with an

ecosystem than empowers them to make efficient decisions about agriculture, drive profits and

conserve the environment.

E) ACTIVITIES: mKrishi provides information related to Agriculture, Animal Husbandry, Health,

Rural Development, Markets etc through mobile phones. It also provides training and on ground

support to farmers through field agents,

F) OUTREACH OF ACTIVITIES: mKrishi is being piloted in 4 districts across the country. This

includes Raigad district in coastal Maharashtra.


H) COMMUNICATION CHANNELS: IVRS

I) BUDGET / FINANCIAL RESOURCES: World Bank funded National Agriculture Innovation

Project

52



J) SWOT: TCS - mKrishi


Inte

rnal

Orig

in /

curr

ent s

ituat

ion

Strength: - Capacities (human resources,

technology, knowledge, financial) TCS being one of the largest IT companies has strong all round capacity

- Willingness / commitment TCS managers have expressed strong commitment, also attended the SOPW.

- Thematic relevance: mKrishi is very relevant to CCKNIA

- Quality of services (content, timeliness, efficiency, reach, Innovative) Needs to be assessed

- Compliance with rules and regulations Needs to be assessed

- Existing Feedback mechanism Present

Weakness: - Not part of existing network - Not operational on CCKN-IA pilot

districts, hence limited reach - Currently operational on project basis

Ext

erna

l inf

luen

ce /

futu

re

Opportunities: - Increase capacities - Enter new markets / thematic fields - Potential to contribute and access the




players - Well established players like IKSL, RML

etc. are already operating state-wide.

53



10. WATERSHED ORGANIZATION TRUST

A) CONTACT: Mr. Crispino Lobo, Managing Trustee mobile: 09422226521

B) CATEGORY: National NGO

C) ORGANISATION DETAILS: WOTR is a not-for-profit NGO founded in 1993 operating currently

in 6 Indian states. WOTR is recognised widely as a premier institution in the field of participatory

Watershed Development and Climate Change Adaptation. Its unique strength lies in its ‘on-field’

experience and in a systemic, participatory approach.

The WOTR Group consists of 4 not-for-profit institutions – the Watershed Organisation Trust

(WOTR); the Sampada Trust (ST) for women’s empowerment and micro-finance; Sanjeevani

Institute for Empowerment and Development (SIED) which is the implementation wing of

WOTR; and Sampada Entrepreneurship and Livelihoods Foundation (SELF) that has recently

been set up to promote social enterprises and livelihoods.

D) OBJECTIVES / MISSION: WOTR’s mandate is to reduce poverty through mobilising the self

help capacities of individuals and communities to regenerate the eco-spaces or watersheds they

live in, harvest rain water wherever it falls, use it productively, undertake sustainable livelihoods

and do whatever else it takes to get them out of poverty.

E) ACTIVITIES: Since its inception in 1993, WOTR has carried out developmental work in over

2,500 villages in six states. It has organized over 1,100 watershed development (which are also

climate adaptation projects), covering nearly 700,000 hectares and impacting over 1,000,000

people. Its involvement in over 8,300 women’s Self Help Groups (SHGs), micro-finance,

trainings and other initiatives have benefitted over 100,000 women. Similarly, over 320,000

people from 27 states in India and 35 countries have participated in WOTR’s Training and

Capacity Building programs. WOTR has had a strong influence on the National Watershed

Guidelines through its field projects.

F) OUTREACH OF ACTIVITIES: It has operations in Maharashtra, Andhra Pradesh, Madhya

Pradesh, Rajasthan, Jharkhand and Odisha.


H) COMMUNICATION CHANNELS: SMS, Field Agents, Village Committees


SDC supported Climate Change Project

Watershed Development Projects – Governments and International Donors

54



J) SWOT: WOTR


Inte

rnal

Orig

in /

curr

ent s

ituat

ion


financial): WOTR is a pan-India NGO with strong all-round capacity

- Willingness / commitment As the Indian partner to GOPA for the CCKN, WOTR has strong commitment, interest and stake in the project

- Key player in an existing and working network WOTR is a key player at local levels

- Thematic relevance WOTRs experience with CCA & M is very relevant to CCKNIA.

- Quality of services (content, timeliness, efficiency, reach, Innovative) Reportedly good, needs to be assessed.

- Compliance with rules and regulations Compliant with applicable rules and regulations

- Operates in Pilot States and Districts Operational in Ahmednagar. Willing to expand into Pune where WOTR has an office.

- Existing Feedback mechanism Present.

Weakness: - As a not-for-profit NGO, WOTR

has limited financial resources to fund expansion.

- Not currently operating in Pune district

Ext

erna

l inf

luen

ce /

fu

ture

Opportunities: - Increase capacities - Enter new markets / thematic fields - Potential to contribute and access the network

(innovativeness reach, technology, content) - Access to additional external funds - Increase motivation / reputation / visibility - Access to knowledge - Partnership between CCKNIA and WOTR will provide

opportunity for developing synergy for mutual benefit.

Threats: - No visible threats since no other

NGOs have demonstrated experience with CCA & M in the project districts / Maharashtra.

55



11. BAIF DEVELOPMENT RESEARCH FOUNDATION

A) CONTACT: Mr. Girish Sohani, President and Managing Trustee ([email protected])

B) CATEGORY National NGO

C) ORGANISATION DETAILS: BAIF Development Research Foundation (formerly registered as

the Bharatiya Agro Industries Foundation), is a reputed voluntary organisation established in

1967 by Dr. Manibhai Desai, a disciple of Mahatma Gandhi, at Urulikanchan, near Pune to

promote sustainable livelihood in Rural India.

D) OBJECTIVES / MISSION: BAIF's Mission is to create opportunities of gainful self-employment

for the rural families, especially disadvantaged sections, ensuring sustainable livelihood,

enriched environment, improved quality of life and good human values. This is being achieved

through development research, effective use of local resources, extension of appropriate

technologies and upgradation of skills and capabilities with community participation. BAIF is a

non-political, secular and professionally managed organisation.

E) ACTIVITIES: The major activities of BAIF are promotion of dairy husbandry, goat husbandry,

water resources development, sustainable agriculture and agri-horti-forestry for rehabilitation of

tribals on degraded lands and various rural non-farm activities for generating employment for

landless families. Environmental sustainability and empowerment of women cut across all these

programmes.

BAIF has developed the Village Cluster Development Approach to reach the poorest of the poor.

This approach is a unique approach to identify the problems and needs of poor families and

introduce appropriate technologies and services to solve them. To ensure sustainability, self

help groups of men and women of homogeneous socio-economic status have been promoted,

who have identified their needs and initiated various income generation activities and community

development initiatives with facilitation from BAIF.

Under the South Asia Pro-Poor Livestock Policy Programme (SAPPLPP), as a Partnering

Institute for India, BAIF has contributed to over 15 Good Practices for improving the productivity

of livestock and community pastures.

F) OUTREACH OF ACTIVITIES: Decentralised operations in 16 states through 9 Associate

Organisations.


H) COMMUNICATION CHANNELS: Field Agents, Mobile based monitoring system

56



I) BUDGET / FINANCIAL RESOURCES: Project based funds both government and international

donors,

J) SWOT: BAIF


Inte

rnal

Orig

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curr

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ion


knowledge, financial): BAIF is a pan-India NGO with strong all-round capacity

- Willingness / commitment By attending the SOPW, BAIF has demonstrated willingness to join the CCKN

- Thematic relevance BAIF focuses on Animal Husbandry and Livestock Development along with CCA & M, which are relevant to the CCKN

- Quality of services (content, timeliness, efficiency, reach, Innovative)

- BAIF has a very good reputation as service provider associated with almost all state governments

- Compliance with rules and regulations Compliant with applicable rules and regulations

- Operates in Pilot States and Districts: Operates in parts of Pune district.

- Existing Feedback mechanism: Present

Weakness: - Not clearly positioned in a network - As a not-for-profit NGO, BAIF has

limited financial resources to fund expansion.

Ext

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l inf

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ce /

fu

ture


(innovativeness reach, technology, content) - Access to additional external funds - Increase motivation / reputation / visibility - Access to knowledge: Partnership between

CCKNIA and BAIF will provide opportunity for developing synergy for mutual benefit.

Threats: - As BAIF is offering specialized

services, there are no competitors

57



12. VIGYAN ASHRAM

A) CONTACT: Mr. Ranajeet Shanbhag, Dy. Director ([email protected])

B) CATEGORY National NGO

C) ORGANISATION DETAILS: Vigyan Ashram is a center of Indian Institute of Education (IIE)

Pune. A scientist turned educationalist Late Dr.S.S.Kalbag started Vigyan Ashram in 1983 to

find out solution to the problems in education. To increase the pace and quality of our education

delivery system, ashram adopted new information technology.

D) ACTIVITIES: IBT School (formal education) with internet access provides ‘Agricultural

information service’ to farmer using website www.aaqua.org. They post the question on the

website and get the advice from experts in agricultural science center. 18 schools also

subscribed to weather forecast on SMS. Students are given responsibility to write it on village

and school notice board for benefit of all farmers.

E) OUTREACH OF ACTIVITIES: Pabal and surrounding villages

F) APPLIED TECHNOLOGIES: NA

G) COMMUNICATION CHANNELS: The aAQUA eAgriService is a problem-solving system

dedicated to find solutions to problems posed by Indian farmers - small and large. Answers to

agri-related queries are sent in 24 to 72 hours depending on the difficulty. Experts are

employees of their respective organizations and serve without charge. This website is now

managed by M/S Agrocom software technologies Pvt Ltd.

H) BUDGET / FINANCIAL RESOURCES: NA

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I) SWOT: Vigyan Ashram


Inte

rnal

Orig

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curr

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ituat

ion Strength:

- Capacities (human resources, technology, knowledge, financial): Being a local NGO, focusing on education the capacity is are limited.

- Thematic relevance: The rural campus at Pabal, Ahmednagar focuses on innovations including those which can be considered to be relevant to climate CCA,

- Compliance with rules and regulations: Compliant with applicable rules and regulations.

- Operates in Ahmednagar district

Weakness: - Not clearly positioned in a network - Not specifically working on CCA & M.

Ext

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l inf

luen

ce /

futu

re Opportunities:

- Increase capacities - Enter new markets / thematic fields - Potential to contribute and access the


- Increase motivation / reputation / visibility - Access to knowledge: Partnership with

Vigyan Ashram will offer only limited opportunities to CCKN-IA. However, it may offer good opportunity to the NGO

Threats: - No visible threats

59

ANNEX 2: AKINS INVENTORY FOR MAHARASHTRA


Annex 2: AKINs Inventory for Maharashtra

Name of Institution/ organization

Address of Institution/ organization Brief Description Remark

India Meteorological Department (Pune)

IMD Agrimet portal- http://www.imdagrimet.gov.in

Premier National Institute providing Weather based services to Government and Private sectors Agro-Meteorology Division seals with weather forecasts, weather and agro-advisories. IMD- Agri-met portal

o weather forecast- o Agro-advisory – Weekly AAS district wise, SMS

service for some districts, monthly Agro Advisory bulletin for the zone wise based on weather forecast

MPKV www.mpau.ac.in

Dept. of Agricultural Meteorology, College of Agriculture, MPKV

College of Agriculture College of Agricultural Engineering & Technology College of Fishery sciences College of Animal Husbandry & veterinary science College of Forestry

IKSL-KCC http://www.iksl.in/

On cellular (GSM) mobile – only Green SIM holders info laden more on disease, pest & nutrition Liaison through ATMA & KVKs for info sourcing & client

base; nodal managers appointed in state

Voice message & SMS; also call back through IVRS for expert advice

m-KRISHI, a TCS promoted initiative under WB-GEF support in NAIP

www.tcs.com Mobile based Agro Advisory Systems: mKRISHI Lite, mKRISHI regular, mKRISHI Plus: IVR based system (farmer & expert console interface), Critical weather based information, Mobile application on farmer handset

Possible partnership in CCKN-IA

Watershed Organisation Trust (WOTR), Pune – CSO

www.wotr.org Resource NGO engaged in watershed development and climate and agriculture field.

Lot of scope for getting field inputs from this project for CCKN-IA

ANNEX 2: AKINS INVENTORY FOR MAHARASHTRA


Name of Institution/ organization

Address of Institution/ organization Brief Description Remark

Vigyan Ashram www.vigyanashram.com Involved in developing innovative solutions in fields of agriculture, energy, environment and rural livelihoods. Project villages located in Ahmednagar district.

BAIF BAIF Bhavan, Dr. Manibhai Desai Nagar Warje, Pune 411058, India Phone : 91-20-25231661 / 64700562 / 64700175

National NGO specializing in Animal Husbandry, Livestock Development, Agro-forestry and Cluster-based Tribal development approach.

RML RML Information Services Private Limited, Star Hub, Building no 1, 7th Floor, 704, Sahar International Airport road, Andheri (East), Mumbai – 400099

Existing SMS services to farmers. Extensive farmer base. Business model.

SKYMET http://www.skymetweather.com/ SKYMET allows clients to understand and organize themselves around changing environment Captive AWS Network Extensive network of public and private sector clients

NIAM Malegaon, Baramati 413 115, Pune

Maharashtra, India Phone : (02112) 254057 Fax : (02112) 254056

NIAM is engaged in research and education through the four schools namely Drought Stress Management, Atmospheric Stress Management, Edaphic Stress Management and Policy support Research. It is not directly engaged in extension as part of a network for dissemination.

KVKs Involved into implementing the NICRA initiative which is a good fit with the CCKN-IA and NMSA-CCSAMN.Existing web-based platforms, SMS services to farmers

61

ANNEX 3: PRELIMINARY ASSESSMENT FORM FOR AKINS


Annex 3: Preliminary Assessment Form for AKINs

A Questionnaire for Preliminary Assessment of Agricultural Knowledge Information Systems through

personal visit & interaction- ……………. (State name)

I. General Information

1) Name of Institution & Address:…………………………………………………………………………..

Contact Person (name/ telephone/ email):……………………………………………………………..

2) Type of Institution: (Govt./ PSU/ Private/ NGO/ Cooperative/ Research & Education, etc.)

[put √ ]

3) Area of operation (district/ block/ GPs)………………………………………………………………….

4) Major Services Provided/ Mandate……………………………………………………………………...

5) Coverage / acquisition (No. of farmers/ Users/ Members subscribed to/ villages covered)

………………………………………………………………………………………………………………

II. Information System

1) Nature of Information (content) & Domain Partner………………………………………….

a. Weather Forecast/ Weather Analysis/ Crop Advisory (Package Practices/ Pest, Disease,

Nutrition)/ Crops…………………………………………………………………………………….

b. Varieties…………………………….. [put √ or write]

c. Market trend/ Crop prices/ Insurance/ Financial info- Loans/ credit/ Subsidy

………………………………………………………………………………………………………..

2) Type of information circulated / Information flow (SMS/ Bulletin/ IVRS/ OBDs/ In-person

interaction/ call center) [put √ ]

3) Source of information/ database for the institution:……………………………………………………

4) Any value addition/ processing of information/data collected before being transmitted:

……………………………………………………………………………………....................................

5) Forums created at Village/ GP level- Krishak manch, FIG, CIG, Common/ Agro Service Centre

for better utilization of information/ advisory & Preparedness………………………………………..

( Yes/ No) if Yes………………………

6) Linkage or networking with other agencies……………….……………………………………………

7) Networking skill with other agencies & Reach to rural mass/ farmers (for advertisement of

product & service improvement) ………………………………………………………………………..

8) Method of collecting user feedback on service…………………………………………….................

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9) Financial Sustainability:………………………………………………………………………………….

10) Institutional set up of the institution: …………………………………………………………………….

11) Competition or Overlapping…………………………………………………………………..................

12) Service is Chargeable or Free, if chargeable then fee structure……………………………………..

13) Users feedback & experience sharing mechanism……………………………………………………

14) Major Challenges faced in terms of institutional, financial & human capacity aspects

………………………………………………………………………………………………………………

15) Openness & will to get amalgamated with any new (proposed) AKINS

………………………………………………………………………………………………………………

16) Willingness to participate in CCKN-IA network if given option

………………………………………………………………………………………………………………

III. Technology Aspects

1) Platform used for message dissemination: Web / Mobile telephone/ Call Centre/ Radio/ Mass

Media/ Print Media/ Hard Copies / Any other [put √ or write]

2) Form of information disseminated/ information channel : Short Message Service(SMS)/

Bulletin/ Interactive Voice Record System (IVRS)/ Out Bound Dialer (OBD)/ In-person

interaction (call center/ Conf. Call)/ any other [put √ or write]

3) Technology used for Mobile, Web based system viz. Open Source, Windows/ Java/ Linux

platform/ any other [put √ or write]

4) Set up of IT infrastructure viz. Own/ Hired/ Partnership/ Outsourced

5) Frequency of information generation viz. Daily/ Real Time/ Twice a week/ Weekly/ Fortnightly/

Monthly [put √ or write]

6) Language used in information dissemination viz. Local dialect/ Regional/ Hindi/ English

[put √ or write]

7) Nature of Content of Information viz. Technical jargons/ Simplified verse / instruction mode/

Jingle [put √ or write]

8) Specificity of Information (hyper- localization) viz. Content is Generic based/ hyper localized up

to district or block level [put √ or write]

9) Communication Flow: Two way (sender to receiver and feedback comes back to sender) /

Unidirectional:……………………………………………………………………………………………...

10) Mechanism with institution for Monitoring of impact & usefulness of information disseminated:

………………………………………………………………………………………………………………

11) Targeting of intended users as per information type:

………………………………………………………………………………………………………………

12) Segregation of clientele base viz. Large/ Small/ Medium/ Marginal farmers/ Fishermen/ Women

farmers/ Crop specific/ Livestock keepers, etc. [put √ or write]

13) Technical backstopping mechanism viz. In-house capacity/ Pool of SMSs/ Advisors/

Institutions/ Advisory board, etc. [put √ or write]

14) Data Compilation process/ Back up/ Archiving, etc……………………………………………………

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15) Accessibility of information/ message by the users……………………………………………………

16) Duplication & Redundancy of information/ message if any…………………………………………..

17) Flexibility & Capability of existing IT architecture to get amalgamated with any new (proposed)

AKINS ……………………………………………………………………………………………………...

18) Major Challenges faced in terms of ICT, Reach & Technology aspects…………………………….

19) Research & Development for constant evolving, adapting changing scenario & improvement

………………………………………………………………………………………………………………

Name & Designation of the Official with whom discussion is held…………………………………………...

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ANNEX 4: TEMPLATE OF SWOT- ANALYSIS FORM


Annex 4: Template of SWOT- Analysis Form

Detailed SWOT Analysis Framework and Assessment Template for shortlisted AKIN players


Inte

rnal

Orig

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curr

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situ

atio

n


knowledge, financial) - Willingness / commitment - Key player in an existing and working network - Thematic relevance - Quality of services (content, timeliness,

efficiency, reach, Innovative) - Compliance with rules and regulations - Operation in Pilot States and Districts - Feedback mechanism

Weakness - Limited resources (human resources,

technology, knowledge, financial) - No commitment/willingness - Not clearly positioned in a network - Too generic - Obsolete / outdated facilities / technology

/ content - Too costly - Poor track record in compliance - Non-Operative in Pilot States and

Districts

Ext

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futu

re


(innovativeness reach, technology, content) - Access to additional external funds - Increase motivation / reputation / visibility - Access to knowledge


players - Changing policy framework - Leadership dependence / person centric - Increasing costs due to specific

requirements / technology - Dependency in the network / lack of

commitment on the part of Network partners

- Pace of changes in technology / knowledge

- Changes in behaviour

65



NAME OF ORGANISATION

A) CONTACT

B) CATEGORY

C) ORGANISATION DETAILS

D) OBJECTIVES / MISSION

E) ACTIVITIES

Services for Subscribers

F) OUTREACH OF ACTIVITIES

G) APPLIED TECHNOLOGIES

H) COMMUNICATION CHANNELS

I) BUDGET / FINANCIAL RESOURCES

J) RECOMMENDATIONS:

K) SWOT parameters description:

Strength:


Organisation should have enough manpower to run projects successfully, strong technical or

content knowledge and financial stability to stand with CCKN for next 3 years.

Willingness / commitment

Organisation should be willing and committed to make project successful.

Key player in an existing and working network

Organisation should play key role in at least one project

Thematic relevance

Organisation should be working at least in one of the themes of CCKN

Quality of services (content, timeliness, efficiency, reach, Innovative)

Organisation should provide quality content or quality in technical or human intervention services

Compliance with rules and regulations

Organisation should comply with Government rules and regulations

Operation in Pilot States and Districts

66



It would be good if organisations is operating in Pilot State or District of CCKN if content provider

so that, content would be available at local level from the organisation, in case of technical

services this rule may not apply if technology is replicable irrespective of location

Feedback mechanism

Organisation should be focusing on feedback for the services provided by them and they should

have data of feedback from villages or operation area.

Opportunities:

Increase capacities

To identify if selected organisation could increase their capacity if required in the project in terms

of technical or knowledge base.

Enter new markets / thematic fields

It would be a plus point if organisation is willing or projecting to new thematic fields of CCKN

Potential to contribute and access the network (innovativeness reach, technology, content)

This point will be a plus point for such organisations which would be willing to contribute or

access the CCKN network for better outputs

Access to additional external funds

If organisation has potential to generate funds from external funds then it will be a positive point

Increase motivation / reputation / visibility

CCKN team will look at motivation, reputation and vision of organisation

Access to knowledge

If the organisation is technical service provider the CCKN team will look at organisation’s

approach to access the knowledge and implement it at ground level.

Weakness:

Limited resources (human resources, technology, knowledge, financial)

If organisation shows limitation to increase manpower or already going through limitations of

resources, knowledge, technology or finances then it can effect badly during implementation and

such issues will be considered as weakness

No commitment/willingness

Organisation will be contacted further for partnership if willingness is not visible in initial

communications

Not clearly positioned in a network

A big negative point if organisations position is not clear in any of the project or network they are

working currently

Too generic

Generic content is not relevant for CCKN project, CCKN required hyper localised content in local

language or dialect

Obsolete / outdated facilities / technology / content

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It will be a negative point if up gradation to technology or content is not visible in organisation’s

environment.

Too costly

CCKN will also look at budgets, CCKN has for project implementation

Poor track record in compliance

Compliance is required

Non-Operative in Pilot States and Districts

This will be considered only in case of content providers not technology service providers.

Threats:

Increasing competition / numbers of players

CCKN will observe competition of each organisation with others and how they prove themselves

better than others players

Changing policy framework

Change in policy relates to Government policies, and CCKN will look at this aspect as serious

threat

Leadership dependence / person centric

Such projects or organisations may bring inactiveness in CCKN implementation if such an

organisation is selected which single person centric, project will be stopped if such person quits.

Increasing costs due to specific requirements / technology

CCKN budget is fixed hence later on expenditures can create issues in implementation hence

such issues will be closely monitored

Dependency in the network / lack of commitment on the part of Network partners

Dependency on others or lack of commitment may bring hindrances in CCKN project

implementation, hence such issues will be considered as threats, its always better to partner with

organisations which has in-house capabilities other than dependency on others.


Fast or slow pace changes in technology/knowledge both may bring issues in implementation

Changes in behaviour

Behavioural changes in staff effects project implementation, on the other hand behavioural

changes in users brought up by projects brings success to the project.

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